By Kathy Chouteau
Point Richmond Music (PRM) announced the triumphant return of its free Summer Music Festival to its downtown by unveiling the line-up for its 20th incarnation following a two-year pandemic pause.
The summer concert series will start Fri., July 8th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, “a unique mix of Bluegrass, Dawg, Jazz and original modern acoustic music” and—from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.—Aki Kumar, who performs a multicultural blend of Indian compositions and the blues, per PRM.
The festival’s music will fill the air the second Friday of the month, July through September, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Place between West Richmond and Washington Avenues in downtown Point Richmond. Aside from free live music, the concerts will also include a drawing, art/education booths and “dancing in the streets,” per organizers. An alternating array of food trucks will be on hand at each concert, as will beverages served in biodegradable cups from PRM’s no-host bar. Proceeds from bar sales will support the summer concert series.
Complementing the Music Festival’s offerings will be surrounding downtown restaurants and businesses catering to the needs of concertgoers.
“We are thrilled to bring back our free concert series,” said PRM Board President Andrew Butt, noting that everyone has missed “the camaraderie and inspiration that happens when you bring the community together with live music.” He added, “We look forward to once again sharing the rich range of musical diversity that our region has to offer.”
Following the aforementioned July 8 performances of Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band and Aki Kumar, here is the 2022 Summer Music Festival Lineup:
Fri., Aug. 12: The Mad Maggies from 5:30-6:30 p.m., world rock, ska, Cajun, zydeco, R&B, klezmer, polka, etc. Also Dirty Cello from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., a unique spin on blues and bluegrass.
Fri., Sept. 9: Laurie Lewis from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician. Also Andre Thierry from 6:45 to 8 p.m., accordion soul music.
The volunteer powered PRM said it produces the concert series in support of its mission to build community through the unifying language of music. For more info, visit PRM’s website or Facebook page.
