Hatch Shell Concert Schedule
For more than 15 years, Oldies 103.3 has sponsored free concerts at Boston’s Hatch Shell. The official name of the program is the Oldies 103.3 Free Summer Concert Series. The series is a true public service, allowing hundreds of thousands of Boston residents to attend free performances of some of the greatest bands of all time.
Oldies 103.3 broadcasts a wide variety of music from the 1960s through early 80s. Listeners may hear songs from the British Invasion to Motown, or a smash-hit rock ballad from the 70s. A Carpenters pop melody, or a one-hit wonder from the era, may be on the air at this very moment. One can also listen to this oldies/classic station from the world wide web, and then view a playlist in real-time.
Many great artists have performed at the Oldies 103.3 Free Summer Concert Series. In recent years, artists such as Johnny Rivers, The Stylistics, The Guess Who, and The Rascals have performed at the Hatch Shell. This author’s favorite bands were The O’Jays and more recently Three Dog Night. Thousands of people sang along to Love Train and Joy To The World; it was amazing.
For new visitors or tourists, the Hatch Shell is an open-air stadium located at Boston’s Esplanade park. The lawn in front of the shell fills up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lawn chairs and blankets are extremely popular. Alcohol is strictly prohibited, and violators are subject to arrest.
The Oldies concerts usually start at 7:00 pm with a warm-up artist. As the sun recedes, excitement builds for the main act. By nightfall, the Esplanade paths and knolls surrounding the shell are full of happy concert-goers. The acoustics are great at this fun family-friendly event.
Also of course, the eldest tradition at the Hatch Shell is the annual July 4th concert with the Boston Pops. In recent years, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra has performed here, bringing classical music and opera to the Esplanade; another great public service.
May, 2010
Saturday May 22, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (music)
EarthFest 2010 - It was awesome!
Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Crash Kings and Marcy Playground
June, 2010
Saturday June 19, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
WODS Concert - WAR
Warm Up Local Band - Paisley Project
1970s Funk Band with hits such as Why Can't We Be Friends, Low Rider, and Spill The Wine.
July, 2010
Saturday July 3, 8:00 pm
Boston Pops Orchestra Preview Concert
Sunday July 4, 8:00 pm
Boston Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert
Special Guest Performer, Toby Keith
Fireworks At Dusk
Wednesday July 14, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the New World Chorale
Saturday July 17, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
WODS Concert - Eddie Money with Special Guest
John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
Eddie Money's hits include Take Me Home Tonight, Two Tickets To Paradise, and Baby, Hold On.
Wednesday July 21, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven’s 8th Symphony
Wednesday July 28, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 5th Symphony
Saturday July 31, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
WODS Concert - Peter Cetera with Special Guest
Ernie and the Automatics
Peter is the famous former singer for the band
Chicago.
August 2010
Wednesday August 4, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 2nd Symphony
Wednesday August 11, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 7th Symphony
Wednesday August 18, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 4th Symphony
Wednesday August 25, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 1st Symphony
September 2010
Wednesday September 1, 7:00 pm
Landmarks Orchestra
Beethoven's 6th Symphony
Contact Information & Address:
Hatch Shell (Mass Department of Conservation & Recreation)
Storrow Drive & Mugar Way, Boston, MA
mass.gov/dcr
