Bellforge Arts Center details second-half of 2023 Summer Sounds artist lineup
The Massachusetts arts and culture space continues its diverse and eclectic program of midweek music, food, and fun for the after-work crowd
Summer Sounds August: Maeko, Padma, Amanda Shea, Naomi Westwater, Raavi, Mei Semones, Summer Cult, Senseless Optimism, Dino Gala and more
Located at the site of the former Medfield State Hospital across an 87-acre campus
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Venue Contact: Jean Mineo, Executive Director, at jmineo@bellforge.org
Booking Contact: Paul Armstrong, Director of Programming, at booking@thisisredefined.com
Media Contact: Michael Marotta, Knyvet PR, at michael@knyvet.com
Photo Credit: Bellforge Arts Center
MEDFIELD, Mass. [July 27, 2023] – As summer rolls on, so does Summer Sounds.
Continuing to provide the summer’s best vibes, Bellforge Arts Center has unveiled the performer lineup and schedule for the second half of its free, all-ages, all-inclusive showcase of New England music. Through the month of August, the laid-back Summer Sounds series shifts to a weekly Thursday schedule, holding court from 5 to 8 p.m. on the expansive grounds of the old Medfield State Hospital at 45 Hospital Road in Medfield, Massachusetts. As Director of Programming Paul Armstrong puts it: “Bellforge Arts Center is not just hosting concerts; we’re showcasing the future of music.”
Upcoming at Summer Sounds are live performances by Maeko and Padma (August 3); Amanda Shea and Naomi Westwater (August 10); Raavi and Mei Semones (August 17); Summer Cult and Senseless Optimism (August 24); and Dino Gala and Cape Crush (August 31). Bellforge Arts Center will also host Flow at The ’Forge: Celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop on August 26 with Brandie Blaze, Seefour, ExitFame, and DJ Alcide.
In addition to the music, August’s Summer Sounds slate will also feature food from Walpole’s ThankQue Catering, games and activities for both adults and the kids, and a fully-stocked bar, with $5 beers and $8 cocktails (a nod to the evening’s program from 5 to 8 p.m.). Attendees are also welcome to walk the grounds of Bellforge Arts Center and embrace the surrounding nature and pathways as an after-work escape.
“The Bellforge Arts folks were an absolute delight to work with and it was an amazing show, with a great audience and an exceptional sound setup,” says Heather Scott, who performed live on July 12. “I highly recommend checking the restoration and community building work they’re doing. These organizers have so much lined up, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Bellforge!”
Located at the heart of a sprawling 87-acre campus and historical landmark site, Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex designed to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Long-term renovation and restoration plans include visual and performing arts studios, arts education facilities, a 300-seat performance venue, and more. Currently, all events are held on the expansive open-air lawn just under the iconic bell tower that’s part of Bellforge Arts Center’s Lee Chapel.
But for now, the space has become an integral platform for new, emerging, and independent artists to showcase their music in a friendly, casual environment. Previous Summer Sounds performances so far have included Scott, Sailor Down, dayes, Talia Rose, Nectarine Girl, Sweetie, Little Fuss, and Jay Alan. See some photos below.
“Bellforge will empower artists with the support they need to push boundaries, collaborate with other artists, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the greater Boston area in profound and inspiring ways!” adds Talia Rose, who also performed July 12. “Bellforge has the potential to be a cultural sanctuary and a pillar of the New England artistic community. The greater Boston area deeply needs and deserves a place for artists to call home, where creativity can thrive, and the diversity of artistic expression will be celebrated and uplifted.”
After Summer Sounds wraps just before Labor Day, Bellforge Arts Center’s programming elevates even higher for the fall, as the space welcomes a banner schedule that includes Boston alt-rock legends Buffalo Tom (September 9), Dorchester hip-hop superstar Cousin Stizz, and the celebrated and acclaimed At The Movies: Grace Kelly With Strings (September 30). A series of four Oktoberfest parties in October closes out the exciting year.
Follow Bellforge Arts Center on Instagram @bellforgearts for the latest, as well as recaps and photos from each event, and visit bellforge.org for the latest news, updates, and information. We’ll see you at the ‘Forge this season and beyond.
Contact Michael Marotta at michael@knyvet.com for media, press, and radio inquiries and opportunities.
About Bellforge Arts Center:
Bellforge Arts Center is a new multi-arts complex being built on the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital to support artists, expand cultural opportunities, and nurture the creative community. Bellforge currently offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, along with over 200 miles of nature trails and outdoor recreation space. Once fully renovated, the center will also offer visual and performing arts studios, arts education, a 300-seat performance venue, and more.
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Bellforge Arts Center’s 2023 Summer Sounds:
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Bellforge 2023 Lineup Overview:
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Bellforge Arts Center 2023 Event Lineup:
July 22 and 23, 29 and 30: Summer Shakespeare - King Lear
August 3: Summer Sounds with Maeka and Padma
August 10: Summer Sounds with Amana Shea and Naomi Westwater
August 17: Summer Sounds with Raavi and Mei Semones
August 24: Summer Sounds with Summer Cult and Senseless Optimism
August 26: Flow at The ‘Forge: Celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop
August 31: Summer Sounds with Dino Gala and Cape Crush
September 9: Buffalo Tom
September 30: At The Movies: Grace Kelly With Strings
October 7, 14, 21, and 28: Oktoberfest
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Recent praise for Bellforge Arts Center:
“Bellforge will empower artists with the support they need to push boundaries, collaborate with other artists, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the greater Boston area in profound and inspiring ways! Bellforge has the potential to be a cultural sanctuary and a pillar of the New England artistic community. The greater Boston area deeply needs and deserves a place for artists to call home, where creativity can thrive, and the diversity of artistic expression will be celebrated and uplifted.”
_Talia Rose, Boston artist and Summer Sounds performer
“The Bellforge Arts folks were an absolute delight to work with and it was an amazing show, with a great audience and an exceptional sound setup. I highly recommend checking the restoration and community building work they’re doing. These organizers have so much lined up, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Bellforge!”
_Heather Scott, Boston artist and Summer Sounds performer
“Medfield has always nurtured rising creative talent, but Bellforge could be a true game-changer. A meeting place for artists and lovers of the arts could be transformative for the cultural scene in suburban Boston.”
_Matthew Aucoin, Composer/Conductor, Pianist, Writer, 2018 MacArthur Fellow, Medfield High School Class of 2008
“Bellforge would add a desperately needed resource for local and touring artists. It would also give more Massachusetts residents the opportunity to experience live performances, which always adds value to the economic and creative life of our community.”
_Gary Dunning, Celebrity Series of Boston President and Executive Director
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Venue Contact: Jean Mineo, Executive Director, at jmineo@bellforge.org
Booking Contact: Paul Armstrong, Director of Programming, at booking@thisisredefined.com
Media Contact: Michael Marotta, Knyvet PR, at michael@knyvet.com