Summer is in full swing. We try to cram in as many outdoor activities as possible but sometimes it’s just nice to kick back, relax and take in the music that fills our towns nearly every day of the week. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of outdoor concerts -and indoor events. Here’s a roundup of what’s yet to come this season:

Tuesdays bring a choice of at least two very different genres. The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music has been bringing young musicians together since 1973 and continues their Playing For Peace Program today. Concerts start at 7:30 pm and lawn seating is free. You can bring a picnic to enjoy or you can sign up for a buffet dinner. See their website for details: www.applehill.org.

Also, on Tuesdays at the Town of Marlborough Pavilion next to the school is the Elizabeth Richards Concert Series. Organized by the Friends of the Frost Free Library, each concert is sponsored by a local business. Concerts are free but are shine only and start at 6 p.m. Bring a chair. More details: www.marlboroughnh.org/recreation/events

Wednesdays are all about the Gazebo in Keene’s Central Square. Drive through any Wednesday evening and you are sure to hear music while waiting at the traffic light. Depending on what band is playing you may even see dancing and people enjoying an evening under the shade of the trees. Concerts are free but bring your own chairs.

On Friday, head to the Potash Bowl in Swanzey for their Bands in the Bowl series. Concerts start at 7 p.m. and feature rock bands, town bands and folk singers. The list of performers is on their website; www.oldhomesteadswanzey.com. There is some seating but feel free to bring your own comfy chair.

Concerts On The Green in Walpole happen on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The town common and gazebo is the perfect setting with plenty of shade. Bring chairs and maybe dessert to enjoy. Sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole, each week a different band plays a variety oldies but goodies, folk and rock. Free admission and for more details visit walpolebank.com/concerts-on-the-green.

One you may not know about is the Walden School Concert Series, held at The Dublin School in Dublin. This intensive summer program consists of the Creative Musicians Retreat with forums and concerts. It is combined with the Young Musician Program that present newly composed and improvised works. Concerts are held at the Recital Hall on the grounds of Dublin School and start at 7:30pm. For details go to their website https://waldenschool.org/concerts-and-events/concert-series/.

If a Sunday drive sounds good, head to the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire’s only national historic site. It is worth the drive. The last few years it feels like it is becoming the Tanglewood of the north. St Gaudens was a sculptor and he established something of an art colony in the Cornish area. Today you can visit the grounds, his studios, the house and gardens. It is run by the National Park Service. The entrance fee is a bargain at $10 per person and there is no extra fee for the concert. If you have the Senior National Park Pass, they will happily wave you in. The musicians perform in the Little Studio and most people find a shady spot under the pergola or nearby trees to enjoy a picnic lunch and maybe work on a crossword puzzle while enjoying the music which fairly tumbles out over the hollyhocks. Concerts have been going on here since 1946. For the complete schedule see their website www.nps.gov/saga/planyourvisit/summer-concert-series.htm

The Park Theatre in Jaffrey has a full summer schedule under way. Blues, folk, rock, pop, Elvis may even make an appearance. Check out their web site, www.theparktheatre.org for tickets, times and information.

Electric Earth Concerts, founded in 2012, offers music in different settings, including the First Church of Jaffrey, Peterborough Town House, Temple Congregationalist Church and Bass Hall in Peterborough. Part of their mission is to bring music with its uplifting power to groups that may not be able to attend regular concerts. Their web site has the 2024 schedule: www.electricearthconcerts.org

New to me is Bandwagon ’24 with some really interesting acts. Contemporary Mexican, electronic Latin Fusion, Balkan Gypsy/Funk, dirty gospel? With themes like this how could anyone resist? Performances are generally at The Putney Inn or Cooper Field, both in Putney. More information: www.nextstagearts.org/bandwagon-24.

Nova Arts on Emerald St. brings bands from west Africa, Argentina, New York City and Belgium, all roads lead to Keene in this season’s line up. Everything you need to know is at www.novaarts.org.

A perennial favorite is the Peterborough Folk Music Society. Performance venues vary; the Park Theatre in Jaffrey, Bass Hall in Peterborough or Deb’s House in Harrisville. Fiddles, guitars and saxophones make for an eclectic mix on musical styles, check out www.pfmsconcerts.org for the latest info.

The Keene Pops Choir will wrap up their summer session with an outdoor concert on Sunday August 25 at the First Baptist Church Pavilion on Maple Avenue. This concert will be the directorial debut of their new Director Jennifer Arrow. There is plenty of lawn so little ones can play and parents can still enjoy the music. The Pops sing a variety of music from rock to Broadway to spirituals, something for everyone. Sing time is 3pm. (Full disclosure, I’m a member) Watch their Facebook page for upcoming details.

Keene Music Fest, in its 22nd year, will take place all day Saturday August 31. All the performers have not yet been announced but, if the lineup is anything like years past, there will definitely be something for everyone. Follow them on Facebook for up to the minute information, www.facebook.com/KeeneMusicFestival/

So, there is a very brief rundown of some of the music that makes our region such a joy in the summer. Get out and enjoy while the sun shining and the weather warm.