LEWISTON, Maine -- The Bates College Midsummer Lakeside Concert Series will present five Thursday evening musical performances at the open-air Florence Keigwin Amphitheater overlooking Lake Andrews behind the Olin Arts Center. All concerts begin at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The series kicks off with a July 20 performance by The Blue Hill Brass, performing Dixieland, light classics and New Orleans jazz. On July 27, Fiddlebox, formerly The Maine French Fiddlers, performs Quebecois favorites. On Aug. 3, Bait the Hook performs original folk music. On Aug. 10, Royal River Chorus, a 30-member ensemble, performs barbershop harmony. The series concludes with an Aug. 17 performance by Mac McHale and the Old-Time Radio Gang, with special guest Erica Brown, a 15-year-old fiddle champion, of old style country and western tunes.

Those who attend the conference are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating, as well as picnic suppers. The rain site for the concerts will be the Olin Arts Center Concert Hall.

For additional information about the Lakeside Concert Series, contact the Office of Summer Programs at 207-786-6077.