Published: April 25, 2008 12:23 pm         

Saturdays Live! at Canal Place format changes

CUMBERLAND - The Summer in the City music series in downtown Cumberland has always included great music on Saturday evenings at Canal Place. This year will be no different, except for the fact that a few changes have been made.

The Saturdays Live! at Canal Place series is going to take on a heritage-themed focus this season, and will feature local musicians who play more traditional forms of music, such as bluegrass, folk, blues and Celtic. Performances will be staged in a more intimate setting on the bricks, by the Shops at Canal Place area. Music lovers are invited to bring their own seating, or they can use the fixed and moveable seating that will be provided. Organizers also plan to leave a little space up front by the band - just in case members of the audience like dancing to the music.

With the exception of a couple of dates, Saturdays Live! at Canal Place will take place each weekend from 5 to 8 p.m., beginning on May 10 and ending Sept. 6. In addition to the great local music, Saturday evenings at Canal Place will also feature artist demonstrators, and the occasional street performer in period costume. On the three Arts Walk evenings (May 10, July 19, and Sept. 6), the Arts Bus will also be on-site at Canal Place with free, hands-on art activities for children. The Shops at Canal Place will be open every Saturday with a variety of shopping and dining possibilities for the whole family.

With its ideal location at the junction of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the Great Allegheny Passage, and the C&O Canal towpath, Canal Place is definitely the Summer in the City Saturday evening destination for music and entertainment in a casual, family-friendly environment.

For a complete schedule of Saturday musical performances, and other Canal Place Heritage Area events and activities, visit www.canalplace.org or call (301) 724-3655.

For information about Downtown Cumberland's Arts & Entertainment District, visit www.alleganyartscouncil.org or call the Allegany Arts Council at (301) 777-ARTS.

For Allegany County Tourism, visit www.mdmountainside.com or call (800) 425-2067.