CARTHAGE — The Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce will again host the Sounds of Summer concert series. The free performances will be held Wednesday evenings starting at 7 in the Farmers Market pavilion on Riverside Drive. Participants should bring lawn chairs.

The series kicks off with the Frank Sacci Swing Band on July 11. The Watertown band features tunes from the big band era.

Next up will be the River Rat Steel Drum Band on July 18. The community group is made up of nearly 50 youths and adults from all over the north country. Under the direction of Daniel Hammond, the performers play a variety of music on the hand-hammered steel barrels.

The Atkinson Family Band from Harrisville is scheduled to play July 25. The core of the bluegrass-playing family is Dick Atkinson on banjo with Shelene and Liza Atkinson on guitar. They are joined by Laura Atkinson on bass and with lead or harmony vocals. The band has three strong female vocalists. Rounding out the band are Dave Bevins on dobro and Nick Piccininni playing mandolin, fiddle, banjo and guitar.

Due to a cancellation, the musicians for Aug. 1 are yet to be announced.

On tap for Aug. 8 is the Double Barrel Blues Band. This modern blues group plays authentic blues and original tunes. Featuring Mark Cloutier and John Hart on guitar, they mix in rock ’n’ roll with traditional blues. Rounding out the group is Garnet Grimm on drums and Bill Satterly on bass.

Ending the series on Aug. 15 is the Fritz Polka Band. According to its website, the band plays “everything from modern-style polka to country to rock and even blues ... it’s not a stereotypical ‘polka’ band.”

“We are excited to offer the Summer Concert Series once again this year,” chamber president Teri L. Ellis said. “We have received positive comments from many of our concert-goers stating this is one of the main enjoyments of their summer. This is why we work so diligently to offer this annual event.”

The event is sponsored in part through a grant from the St. Lawrence County Arts Council and donations from Slack Chemical, Carthage Savings and Loan and the Economic Development Corporation of Carthage.

“Each year this event increases in expense,” Mrs. Ellis said. “The music talent alone exceeds $4,700 this year. This is why we are continuously seeking sponsors throughout the season.”

The public is reminded that the Farmers Market Pavilion is a smoke-free area and that dogs are not permitted within 25 feet of the pavilion.

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