Rock out all summer long at Apponagansett Park

Jun 23, 2023

On any Wednesday night during the summer, Apponagansett Park in South Dartmouth will be scattered with hundreds of people jamming out and hanging out while local musicians perform.

June 21 was no exception. About 150 people gathered to watch the band Truue perform classic rock with a touch of country as a part of the Apponagansett Park Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The show featured songs from The Beatles, Dolly Parton and Elle King.

The summer concert series is a staple for many people. The event has something for everyone, kids who attend have no problem running around and conquering the playscape.

“It’s something to do on a Wednesday, come home from work, come have some of the food, listen to a little bit of music,” said Danny Furtado, who has been coming to the summer concerts for three years. Furtado added that he likes to bring his kid, who plays on the slide while there.

The concerts start at 6:30 p.m., so many people come with pizzas and soda to have a picnic. Others, like Furtado, prefer to get their dinner from the Gulf Hill Dairy Ice Cream Bucket, which offers a full menu of ice cream, hotdogs, burgers, fries and more.

As fun as it is for the attendees to chill out midweek, the bands enjoy it too, performing with smiles and groove.

“I love it, the crowd is great and the band I’m with, oh my gosh,” said Jacqueline Marashio, lead singer of Truue.

The one drawback of concerts at Apponagansett Park is the sun setting behind the stage. Although it does make a scenic venue for a performance, sunglasses are practically required.

If it rains the night of the concert, it is automatically rescheduled for the next day.

The remaining bands this summer are Jammin: Tribute to Bob Marley, Monsta Country Rock Band, The Oh Nos!!!: a Beatles tribute band, Loose Screws, Headcase, RT 18, Living on a Bad Name, Wild Nites, Move N' On and Hardwire.

The lot opens at 5:30 for concerts and admission is $5 per person over the age of 12.