This summer, Ben Franklin Community Garden once again invites the community to enjoy live music in one of Cleveland’s most peaceful and welcoming outdoor spaces. Nestled in the heart of Old Brooklyn, the Garden’s annual Music Series returns with an eclectic lineup of Northeast Ohio performers spanning Americana, jazz, brass band, singer-songwriter, classical fusion, and global sounds.
Concerts take place on the first and third Saturdays from June through September, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. Due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the first July concert will be held on Friday, July 3. In the event of rain, concerts will move to Sunday at 2 p.m. (except the July 3 performance, which has no rain date).
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and relax among the trees, flowers, and garden paths while enjoying an evening of free live music in a unique community setting.
Ben Franklin Community Garden is located at 1905 Spring Road, behind Benjamin Franklin Elementary School between Broadview Road and the Jennings Freeway (176). Parking is available in the school lot. The garden is wheelchair accessible; anyone needing additional accessibility information is encouraged to contact Mark Tapajna at 216-276-1183.
Whether you’re discovering the garden for the first time or returning for another season, the Music Series offers a wonderful way to spend a summer evening while experiencing the creativity and talent of local musicians — and it’s all free.
2026 Music Series lineup
June 6 – Hey Mavis. This acclaimed Northcoast Americana quartet blends heartfelt vocals, honest songwriting, blazing instrumental solos, and undeniable onstage chemistry into a rich tapestry of contemporary roots music.
June 20 – Zerbo Brothers. Drawing from West African, North American, and global traditions, the Zerbo Brothers create a vibrant blend of old and new music shaped by thousands of miles of travel and musical exploration.
FRIDAY, July 3 – Opus 216. From classical and French café jazz to hip hop, Irish fiddle, and original compositions, Opus 216 delivers virtuosic, genre-crossing performances with style and versatility. No rain date for this performance only.
July 18 – Da Land Brass Band. Cleveland’s own original brass band brings New Orleans roots, heavy funk grooves, original tunes, and inventive takes on classics for an energetic performance that keeps audiences moving.
Aug 1 – John Orsini Jazz Quintet. Featuring some of Cleveland’s finest jazz musicians, this seasoned quintet performs classic jazz from the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s with sophistication, swing, and timeless style.
Aug 15 – The Rhondas. Led by three female vocalists and instrumentalists, The Rhondas perform originals and covers ranging from sweet and soulful to bold and danceable, blending rich harmonies with playful energy.
Sep 5 – Women Singer-Songwriter Showcase featuring Liz Bullock & Jessica Sikon. Liz Bullock blends folk, blues, soul, and jazz with powerful vocals, while Jessica Sikon pairs ethereal harmonies and moving melodies with indie pop, rock, and cosmic country influences.
Sept 19 – Classical Fusion Showcase featuring Arleigh Savage & Eri Snowden. Cellist and singer-songwriter Eri Snowden-Rodriguez layers cello with effects pedals to create immersive soundscapes, while bassoonist Arleigh Savage crafts haunting original music through looping and inventive sonic textures.
For more information, visit BenFranklinCommunityGarden.org or follow us on social media for updates.
