Saturday’s Music & Arts Festival to Feature Bedford Musicians

Singer-songwriter Mark Zelermyer, who specializes in contemporary folk, will be one of the performers at the Bedford Cultural District’s Music & Arts Festival 2024. A Bedford resident, Zelermyer will be accompanied by guitarist Bob Metzger. Courtesy Image

Submitted by Sylvia Mallory on behalf of the Bedford Cultural District Partnership

A program of talented musicians, all with a Bedford connection, will take the stage at the Bedford Cultural District’s Music & Arts Festival 2024 on Saturday, June 15.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., performers playing diverse genres will heat up the airwaves around Bedford Common, 75 The Great Road (rain location: Reed Room at Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way). Their tunes will set the vibe for the festival’s events: an art show, hands-on art activities, booths by local organizations, nearby open houses, and a book sale at the Bedford Free Public Library.

The musicians will cater to a broad slice of listeners, offering songs for a variety of musical moods. Time your arrival to the performances of your taste, pull up a chair, grab a beverage and an ice cream treat from Bedford Farms, and turn your toes to tapping mode.

Here’s what the festival’s music menu has to offer. All times are approximate.

Taking the stage at 10 a.m. will be guitarist Raley Beggs. Classically trained, Beggs is a popular and well-established singer-songwriter. His music set will feature lively pop tunes, as well as songs reflecting a recent interest, South African music. Courtesy Image

Raley Beggs @ 10 a.m.

Taking the stage at 10 a.m. will be guitarist Raley Beggs. Classically trained, Beggs is also a popular and well-established singer-songwriter who performs weekly. His music set will feature lively pop tunes, as well as songs reflecting a recent interest, South African music.

With a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, Beggs teaches guitar at Middlesex Community College and performs in the school’s “World of Music” concert series. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree.

For more on Raley and his music, visit https://raleybeggs.com.

Business Goose: Emory Carroll Trio @ 11 a.m.

The second act, coming up at 11 a.m., will be Business Goose, whose gig will feature guitar, keyboard, and drums. A jazz/funk collective based in the Boston area, Business Goose was founded by Bedford resident Emory Carroll, who has been drumming for his entire life. The band cites everything from jazz to fusion to hip-hop to rock as their musical influences. To date, Business Goose has released two full-length albums offering a combination of original music and covers. The cuts have been recorded and mixed entirely by members of the group.

A jazz/funk collective based in the Boston area, Business Goose was founded by Bedford resident Emory Carroll, who has been drumming for his entire life. Courtesy Image

You can hear selections by Business Goose at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-uQ70Utg-6CHPTNE3e-Zzw.

Zach Shen and the Funky Bunch @ Noon

Kicking off the afternoon will be the Funky Bunch, a Bedford group comprising Zachary Shen (drums), Hayden McAllister (piano, voice), and Cameron Zhu (guitar). Together as a band for about a year, the three friends started their music training at a young age with basic instrumental lessons. Since then, they’ve collaborated frequently in music groups at Bedford High School and in the school’s musical productions. Their repertoire ranges from jazz classics to newer pop tunes. Zach, Hayden, and Cameron hope to continue playing music after high school, whether in a college ensemble or simply gigging with friends.

Mark Zelermyer @ 1 p.m.

Taking the mic at 1 p.m. will be singer-songwriter Mark Zelermyer, who specializes in contemporary folk. A Bedford resident, Zelermyer will be accompanied by guitarist Bob Metzger.

Zelermyer’s originals tell stories about everyday life. His songs are thoughtful and engaging, ranging from poignant to funny, heartfelt to uplifting. Backed by Metzger on guitar and John Vandale on bass, Zelermyer performs around Greater Boston and beyond – as far away as England. Voted Audience Favorite at last year’s Linden Tree Coffeehouse Potpourri, they will release their second full-length album later this year. According to Metronome, “Mark Zelermyer delivers a collection of poignant songs on his debut release, ‘Prior to Leaving’.”

For more on Mark and the band, visit https://www.markzelermyer.com.

Stacy and the Party @ 2 p.m.

Wrapping up the festival’s eclectic music program at 2 p.m. will be local performers Stacy and the Party. This feel-good group of Bedford residents features lead singer Stacy Swider, who grew up in Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School. The Party has been playing together for more than a decade and enjoys writing rootsy pop originals and covering radio favorites from The Who to Pink.

Swider began playing music in the fifth-grade band – and she says she has never looked back. Besides singing, she also plays rhythm guitar and sax for the band. Guitarist Ron O’Brien has been the lead man for various bands throughout Boston. Bassist Gian Criscitiello’s music background spans reggae to old-time. Drummer Chris Murphy brings a fast and steady hand (and Stacy notes that he likes to rock hard when they let him). The band leans into melody and syncopation, good memories, and fun times.

Learn more about Stacy and the Party on their website, https://www.reverbnation.com/stacyandtheparty8, and their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/stacyandtheparty.

For additional information about the Music and Arts Festival 2024, please contact Eric Salerno at [email protected].