'From Bach to Rock': Cranberry Coast Concert series coming back to Wareham

Jun 29, 2018

Classical music, jazz, pop hits, rumba and more musical styles will share the stage this summer as the Cranberry Coast Concerts series returns for its 13th year. Launched by husband and wife Kirk Whipple and Marilyn Morales, both classically trained pianists, the series will feature live performances throughout the area.

“We perform everything from Bach to Rock,” said Whipple. “There’s something for everyone.”

The concert series kicked off on June 26 at Music of the Bay in Bourne. On July 14, the series will swing through Wareham for “A Night In Vegas.”

“There’s going to be songs from the Rat Pack-era, a lot of swing and there will be dueling pianos,” said Whipple. “It’s going to be a special night.”

“A Night in Vegas” takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. in Eastern Bank, 226 Main St., Wareham. Tickets available at the door.

Whipple and Morales noted there’s another aspect to the series besides the performances – education. For the fourth year in a row, Michelle Bowlin will run the Cranberry Coast Concerts music camp.

The camp allows children ages 6 to 14 to explore the world of music. There are four week-long sessions throughout the summer. Bowlin, who owns Music of the Bay in Bourne, said she met Whipple and Morales years ago when they were drumming up support for the concert series.

She said she immediately jumped in to help.

“My mission is to bring music to as many people as I possibly can,” said Bowlin. “This is a great opportunity to do just that.”

Whipple said some of the camp’s students are now regular performers during the summer concert series.

“It’s been wonderful to watch them grow and gain experience as musicians and performers,” said Whipple.

Some of those students will perform in Wareham on July 27 at Eastern Bank in Wareham and on July 28 at Music of the Bay, located at 42 Holt Road, Buzzards Bay. Dubbed the Outstanding Young Artists Concert, both shows start at 7 p.m.

Whipple and Morales will also perform “French? Sweet!” on Aug. 2, 3, and 4. The Aug. 3 and 4 shows will take place in Eastern Bank and Music of the Bay, respectively. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Whipple said, as the name suggests, that French tunes will be performed.

The concert series wraps up on Sept. 7 and 8 with a grand finale. Shows will be held in Eastern Bank on Sept. 7 and Music of the Bay on Sept. 8. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

For more information about the concert series, including a complete list of shows, visit the Cranberry Coast Concerts Facebook page.