Payson Park Music Festival changes location to Belmont Center – The Patriot Ledger

The 30th season of the Payson Park Music Festival, a longstanding outdoor summer concert series founded and produced by Belmont resident Tomi Olson, will be open on July 8, during Phase 3, consistent with the guidance from Governor Charlie Baker. This year it will be in a new location, the patio adjacent to Bellmont Caffe, 80 Leonard St., Belmont.

For the past 29 seasons, the outdoor concerts have taken place at Payson Park. However, this year, Olson decided to change the location to Belmont Center to take advantage of the road closure to benefit restaurants and businesses with outdoor dining and shopping space.

“In this time of COVID, everyone has had to pivot to keep the community safe.  Sincere thanks to the owner and manager of Bellmont Caffe, Rachid Smairi, for allowing us to use the patio,” said Olson.

Soggy Po’ Boys New England will kick off this year’s concert series at 6:30 p.m. on July 8. The Belmont Cultural Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council are co-sponsors of the band which plays New Orleans’ style music.

“At this time  we all need music to bring back the joy in our lives. This new venue is exciting and provides this opportunity,” said Olson.

The Payson Park Music Festival in Belmont Center concerts will take place every Wednesday, 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning July 8 through Aug. 26.

Kiddie Concerts will be postponed until 2020 due to concerns regarding playground equipment and the risk of COVID-19.

For a complete schedule, visit ppmf.org.

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