Garfield Historic Site adds two more outdoor concerts

James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor announced two more upcoming outdoor concerts.

The first will be at 2 p.m., July 28; the second will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 5. Both will be free of charge and will give the public the opportunity to enjoy live music as the Garfield family might have — outside and under a canopy of trees, according to a news release.

The July 28, concert will feature the return of the Lake Effect Concert Band, part of the Snowbelt Musical Arts Association in Chardon.

This is an all-volunteer community concert band that provides enjoyable, lifelong learning opportunities for musicians and entertaining concert experiences for audiences of all ages, the release stated. The band is familiar with many of the marches and patriotic songs of the last 130 years.

The Lake Effect Concert Band played for the first time at James A. Garfield National Historic Site in July 2017.

The rain date for this concert is Aug. 4.

The Lakeland Civic Band of Lakeland Community College will play on Aug. 5. This will be the Lakeland band’s third year performing at the Garfield Historic Site. It is composed of Lakeland students, high school players, school music teachers, directors, and community musicians.

The Lakeland Civic Band plays a wide-ranging, eclectic repertoire of tunes, the release stated. There is no rain date for this concert.

Those attending either concert are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, drinking water, sunscreen, and anything else needed for personal comfort. Picnic baskets are welcomed but alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

“Historically, music was played on the grounds here several times during Garfield’s 1880 presidential campaign,” said Site Manager Todd Arrington in the release. “We appreciate the Lake Effect Concert Band and the Lakeland Civic Band being willing to come play for our visitors.

The Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.