From well known festivals like Tanglewood (June 28) and the Lowell Folk Festival (July 23), to newer options like Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival (September 24), the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has compiled a list of popular and unique music events that are taking place throughout 2011.
The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival has become a leading celebration of jazz, Latin, blues, and groove acts. More than 80,000 visitors enjoy exceptional jazz and cultural food in Boston's historic and hip South End. Over 100 vendors will take part in 2011, securing Boston as a prominent influence on the jazz scene.
Low-key events include the Blues ‘n’ Brews festival in Westford that pairs regional craft breweries with top blues bands. Great eats like Oktoberfest food and a homebrew competition make this a quality day for locals and out-of-towners. Raffles and games take place throughout day while craft and vendor booths are also stationed at the festival selling local creations.
Leading the band is the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival on April 9 at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is growing into a premier music festival on the North Shore, adding to the region’s creative economy through tourism, music and education. Last years family-friendly event featured two days of live music, music education classes, an arts and crafts fair, and a children’s play tent.
For more information about top events in Massachusetts take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Massachusetts.
If you're looking for more musical festivals taking place in Massachusetts, go to massjazz.com to check out events, festivals and nightclubs, as well as hotel packages, jazz brunches, classes and other resources.