Thursday Night Live - 2026 Summer Concert Series Schedule

Kick off your weekend early with the Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department's free weekly Summer Concert Series on Thursday Nights at Abbie Griffin Park! 

Join us each week starting at 6:00 pm for live music featuring a variety of musical styles. Come on down and bring your family & friends along with your lawn chairs, and dinner and enjoy "Thursday Night Live" each week.

Thursday, June 25th - Tom Knight

“Combining elements of Mr.  Rogers’ gentle spirit and the unbound creativity of Jim Henson, Knight  created a completely original show that entertains and enlightens young  children and adults alike.”  Tom Knight is a  musician, puppeteer, and multimedia artist from Western Massachusetts  who has been entertaining children and families since 1988.  His interactive musical puppet shows blend catchy songs, colorful  handmade puppets, and timeless stories. Tom has performed thousands of  joyful, high-energy shows at elementary schools, libraries, preschools, and  festivals across the country. This is a children's concert sponsored by the Friends of the Merrimack Public Library as a kick off to the start of the summer reading program. 

Thursday, July 2nd - Studio Two: Beatles Tribute Band

Back by popular demand! Studio Two is a headlining Beatles band that pays tribute to the early Beatles years, choosing songs from the Pre-Sgt. Pepper era. Featuring  graduates from Berklee College of Music and Beatles devotees, Studio Two band mates met in a “cellar full of noise” in a town slightly west of Liverpool (Milford, New Hampshire!) to pay homage to the greatest rock band of all time. Band members are experienced musicians of today’s generation dedicated to  preserving the memory and fan culture of The Beatles generation. 

Thursday, July 9th - The Band from U.N.C.L.E.

 50s-60s rock & roll, rhythm & blues, garage rock, girl group/soul.  

Thursday, July 16th - Rich Smiddy   

Come sing along, tap your toes, and relive the golden years of music at this special Summer Concert Series performance on 7-16-26.  Enjoy a feel-good evening of classic oldies at Abbie Griffin Park in Merrimack as Rich Smiddy brings beloved hits from the 1950s through the 1970s to life. A solo singer-guitarist with a smooth, easy-listening style, Rich creates an interactive, upbeat atmosphere that audiences truly love.  

Thursday, July 23rd - Lexi James

Country artist Lexi James brings powerhouse vocals and undeniable energy to every stage. Performing throughout the Northeast, Lexi blends the polish of modern Nashville country with authentic New England roots, captivating audiences with both heartfelt originals and crowd-favorite covers. She has opened for national recording artists including Jordan Davis, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Phil Vassar, and the late Charlie Daniels, earning a reputation for high-impact, professional performances. Supported by a team of touring-level musicians, Lexi delivers a show that’s as engaging as it is musically dynamic. With more than 30,000 social media followers and a fast-growing fanbase, Lexi James continues to make her mark as one of the Northeast’s rising country voices.

Thursday, July 30th - River Road Band

River Road plays familiar Modern and Vintage Country songs heard on the radio. Our sets can be light and easy, rocked and hard, or both. We are more than two guitars, bass and drums. We are talent that doubles on Fiddle, Banjo Lap Steel and Slide Guitar. With the best Lead Vocalists singing great Harmonies, we're rockin' the songs everybody likes to dance and listen to. Let River Road bring Hit Country songs and sounds to your door with talent and experience tailor-made for your patrons and party-goers. Turn your live Country Party on with popular songs by Luke Bryan, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Randy Houser, David Nail, Morgan Wallen and others. 

Thursday, August 6th - The Reminisants

An annual fan favorite; The Reminisants have been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England since 1973. The band specializes in oldies music from the 1950s through the ’90s, playing a collection of great music for all kinds of  musical tastes and generations.   

Thursday, August 13th - Sammie Haynes

Sammie Haynes has  been engaging and delighting young children and their families with her  award-winning children’s music (including Parent’s Choice and National  Parenting Publications awards) from her native New England to the west  coast for over 30 years. Singing for as long as she can remember, the birth of her son sparked her love  of writing and performing children’s music. She enjoys interacting with  kids during live performances and recognizes the role humor plays in  music and life. She  lives in southern Maine where she teaches Music Together® and performs  grownup music too with her Rhythm & Roots/Texas-Swing band,  MAINESQUEEZE and her husband, singer-songwriter, Cormac McCarthy. This is a children's concert is held in conjunction with the Merrimack Public Library as the end of the summer reading program.