When we started planning our return to live performances in 2021, the Compaq Big Band wanted to cook up at least one out-of-this-world summer concert - August 15th is it! We’re at one of our favorite annual outdoor events, the Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. The VERY SPECIAL part of the story is that for the first time ever for us – AND for them – appearing on the same stage will be the “Cape Ann Jazz Divas”! Marina Evans, Renee Dupuis, and Alexandra Grace Music are three of the band’s regular rotation of terrific vocalists, and we’re preparing a unique program to showcase them. All born, raised, and reside in Gloucester or Rockport!

Marina, Renee, and Alexandra will all be performing solo jazz and swing charts in front of the band as recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Natalie Cole, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Tierney Sutton and more! PLUS, we’ve got some authentic Andrews Sisters trio arrangements that are sure to bring down the house!

7:00pm-8:30pm, FREE admission, and open to all – just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. The bandstand is located at 24 Hough Avenue, with gorgeous views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. We’ve had magical nights on this stage over the years, with some audiences numbering over 1,000, many putting down blankets and chairs mid- to late-afternoon.

This performance is weather permitting. However, in the event of rain, the alternate concert date is Wednesday August 18th at the same place and time. If it rains both Sunday and Wednesday, there is no alternate date for 8/18.