NEWBURYPORT — The Maudslay Arts Center will present Ken Clark Organ Trio on Saturday evening and as a special event concert, folk/blues singer, guitarist, songwriter and Oscar winner Chris Smither on Sunday afternoon.
On Saturday at 7 p.m., come hear the Ken Clark Organ Trio, which has performed around New England and the eastern United States for 32 years.
Come back on Sunday at 2 p.m. for the MAC season special event concert with Smither. Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, and modern poets and philosophers.
In his early 20s, Smither headed to Boston where he forged lifelong friendships with many musicians, including Bonnie Raitt, who went on to record his songs, “Love You Like a Man” and “I Feel the Same. Their friendship has endured as their career paths intertwined over the years.
What quickly evolved from his New Orleans and Cambridge musical experiences is his enduring beat-driven fingerpicking guitar sound.
He won an Oscar when he made his acting debut in the independent film “The Singers,” which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include Breakin’ Strings on Aug. 8. Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and feature The Mystix Unplugged with Danielle Miraglia on Aug. 9, and Alex Lee-Clark and The 8tet on Aug. 16.
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $40 while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $35. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $30 with open seating on the patio and lawn. Tables and chairs are provided on the patio. Special group rates may be arranged by calling 978-388-2552. Free for children 12 and under.
The Smither concert is a special event. General admission is $45. The first 100 tickets sold are guaranteed seats in the performance hall in case of rain.
For the complete summer schedule, to purchase tickets online, or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website at www.maudslayartscenter.org.
Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (check, cash or Venmo only) or by calling 978-388-2552. There is no reserved seating, but large groups will be accommodated with advance notice. Gift certificates also are available. MAC participates in the MCC Card to Culture Program.
The series is operated and supported by dedicated volunteers, private donors, ticket sales and rentals, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Saturday evening concerts are supported by Newburyport Bank. Sunday afternoon concerts are supported by Smith, Costello & Crawford.