The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the beloved Tamaqua Summer Concert Series for its 20th Anniversary season.

The long-running summer tradition brings free live music to the historic Tamaqua Train Station platform all summer long and continues to be one of the community’s favorite seasonal events.

The season will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday with a special performance by the Cressona Band along with the presentation of the 6:30 p.m. PA250 Bell Unveiling of “Freedom to Change,” which was decorated by Tamaqua Middle School students. The Cressona Band will play classical music, overtures and contemporary band music. The performance is sponsored by Shafer’s Pharmacy.

All remaining concerts will be held Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the station platform. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of live entertainment in downtown Tamaqua.

Food trucks and Sweet Inclusion Smoothies will be available on most concert nights, and guests can also call the Tamaqua Station Restaurant for reservations to dine on the platform during the concerts.

“This year is incredibly special as we celebrate the 20th season of the Summer Concert Series,” said Aimee Dotson, executive director of the Chamber. “For two decades, these concerts have brought people together through music, community spirit and shared summer memories. We are honored to continue being part of a tradition that means so much to Tamaqua and the surrounding area.”

The schedule

June 4: Jay Smar will perform northeastern Pennsylvania coal mining and traditional American folk music. Sponsored by Lehigh Anthracite.

June 11: Coal Fired Ramblers will play traditional bluegrass music celebrating local history and culture. Sponsored by Explore Schuylkill.

June 18: Jason Kuhla will feature acoustic classic rock, country, oldies, blues and more. Sponsored by Lehigh Carbon Community College.

June 25: Waiting for Eyes and 8:17 are two area favorite bands who will be performing popular hits. Sponsored by Miracle Ford of Tamaqua.

July 2: Island Time will play summertime favorites including Jimmy Buffett and Grateful Dead inspired music. Sponsored by Northeast PA Chemical.

July 9: Mosey Over will play a buffet of popular hits and originals. Sponsored by G-Lady’s Community Food Pantry.

July 16: Tom Acker will perform acoustic party-time favorites. Sponsored by Vince Boyle Team, Century 21/Ryan Real Estate.

July 23: Free Range Folk are world-class folk musicians and virtuoso performers. Sponsored by Explore Schuylkill.

July 30: Michele & The Lost Boys will play blasts from the past featuring ’50s, ’60s, ’70s — and of course, the ’80s. Sponsored by NEPA Settlement and Holman & Pitts Law.

Aug. 6: Ricky and the Ricardos will be playing songs you didn’t even know you wanted to hear. Sponsored by Tammy Sword Realty.

Aug. 13: Tom Storm is a unique and engaging singer-songwriter performing folk-inspired music. Sponsored by Mike Postupack, real estate agent.

Aug. 20: Supersonic Godfathers play popular rock ’n’ roll party music. Sponsored by St. Luke’s Miners Campus.

Aug. 27: Stained Glass Road Band will play uplifting and inspirational music. Sponsored by Tamaqua Area Faith Network.

Sept. 3: Hatter will play favorite pop, rock, dance hits and originals. Sponsored by Mauch Chunk Trust.

“The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come out and celebrate another unforgettable summer of music, community and tradition in downtown Tamaqua,” Dotson added. “We are so thankful to all of our sponsors whose support makes these free concerts possible every year.

“We also want to extend our gratitude to the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership for the use of the beautiful train station platform and to the Tamaqua Station Restaurant for their gracious hospitality throughout the season.”