Solstice Party! Baltimore Brings In The Summer With Music In The Park

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Summer starts Saturday, and Baltimore will get an early start on it Friday night. A two-night summer solstice celebration begins in Druid Hill Park.

Ron Matz reports it will be a perfect night to enjoy music under the stars.

Summertime, flowers in bloom and music Friday night outside the Rawlings Conservatory. It's the annual summer solstice celebration.

"The solstice celebration is a wonderful tradition. We kick it off with a concert with Gregory Thompkins. It's a mellow evening with a great band and great music," said Kate Blom, Rawlings Conservatory supervisor.

The good vibes will be delivered by saxophonist Greg Thompkins and his jazz explosion.

"It's very exciting. It's the beginning of the summer. It's getting a chance to play. Baltimore in the summer there are a zillion festivals going on. I'd like to be at all of them," Thompkins said.

The summer solstice celebration will continue around the reservoir Saturday night.

"Saturday night, the Friends of Druid Hill Park are hosting a wonderful celebration of the summer. We'll have a fire, and we're requesting that everybody wear red, yellow or orange in honor of the sun. We'll have hayrides around the lake," Blom said.

"We had a wonderful time last year. It was a highly successful concert and glad to be invited back to do it again this year," Thompkins said.

It's welcoming summer Baltimore style.

"We have hundreds and hundreds of people come. It's a lovely scene with blankets and picnics. A lot of good vibes," Blom said.

"With the economy, it's good to have things that you can go to that are free. It's also fun and family friendly," said Jackie Caldwell, Rawlings Conservatory board member. "It's an opportunity to be under the stars, bring your blankets, bring your food. We'll also have food and drink for sale. There's a lot of energy and a lot of love."

Friday night's concert is free from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday night's activities around Druid Hill Park lake are from 9 p.m. to midnight.

 Other Local News: