Music for Mavis will host bands each week for the Tuesdays at the Gazebo summer concert series. Submitted photo

Music for Mavis Tuesdays at the Gazebo will feature a great selection of musical talent this year beginning with talented and bluesy Mary Murphy from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the gazebo in Turner.

“Music for Mavis,” a non-profit organization committed to providing music and the arts to the community, was created in honor of Mavis Leavitt Varney and her community to celebrate her love of music and to fulfill her dream to have weekly programming for music and the arts right here at home. The group brings a wide range of entertainment from mid-May to mid-September.

Committed community members have joined together to help sustain and further Mavis’ dream.

Words written in 2018 by friend and gazebo committee member Dick Thibodeau, who has passed, speak for the present and the future of the organization. “Music melodies and lyrics often rouse our senses as we reminisce of day’s gone by, or more recent. … It was once stated: Sometimes, it’s not the song that makes you emotional, it’s the people and things that come to mind when you hear it. … it is important to reflect on how Mavis’ dream has become a reality. The gazebo, surrounded by Turner’s historic buildings, has become a centerpiece for community events: Weekly concerts throughout the summer, school events, the 4th of July Festival concert, and the lighting of the tree during the Christmas season are some of the events enjoyed by community members as well as guests. This enthusiasm and participation of community spirit truly showcases the vision Mavis had for this gazebo.”

“Our “Music for Mavis” mission statement reads: To build stronger community connections in a rural population by providing access to music and the performing arts.” Thibodeau’s words continue, “I think that is happening. You and your friends and local businesses are all part of what is making her dream, and our dream, an ongoing reality.”

“We want to awaken you to the need for continued maintenance of the gazebo, and to celebrate that … we now have a beautiful new cupola ventilating the building. Currently the board is looking to upgrade the lighting within the gazebo, to clean and paint, and address other minor repairs. These maintenance costs are an additional expense and go beyond what summertime receipts allow. We welcome you again to this new year of music and community, and ask you to be part of our sustenance, from quarters to generous endowments, as we carry on Mavis’ dream of enjoying life with music and community. We are a non-profit. Financial commemorations are welcomed in honor of music-loving loved ones.”

Concerts will be held rain or shine – sometimes under a tent generously left by the school department, sometimes we go to the library. Bring a chair, a blanket, and a friend. We pass the hat to pay the musicians. Suggested donation $10. For more information, call 207-754-0954 or 207-240-4591 or 207-249-8046 or visit the Music for Mavis page on Facebook. The gazebo is located off Rt. 117 near the Turner Public Library at 98 Mathews Way, Turner.

“Music for Mavis” Tuesdays at the Gazebo 2023 Summer Schedule

May 16: Mary Murphy
May 23: Stan & Brian
May 30: The Cobblestones
June 6: Jody Boys
June 13: Bobby Reed & the Wild Horses
June 20: Malinda Liberty and Tedd Hamilton
June 27: Uncle Terry & the Milltown Town Girls
July 4: Continental Shakedown
July 11: The Backwoods Road Band
July 18: Maggie and Robby Coffin
July 25: Bonnie & the Practical Cats
Aug. 1: Christine Poulson & the Social Club
Aug. 8: Denny Breau & Friends
Aug. 15: Always Sometimes
Aug. 22: Kevin Libby & Company
Aug. 29: Dirty McCurdy Band
Sept. 5: Preston & Curry Duo
Sept. 12: Jim Sharkey
Sept. 19: Hot Damn