“Sunset Thursdays” at The Eric Carle Museum presents live jazz by Northampton Jazz Festival

Jun 19

This summer, The Eric Carle Museum is a joyful gathering place filled with art viewing, art making, storytelling, picnicking, live music, and more. From July 1 – August 31, 2025, visitors can experience thought-provoking exhibitions and fun programs for all ages, all summer long.

On Thursday evenings, the museum stays open until 8pm for Sunset Thursdays, presenting live jazz and global music performed by local artists, co-presented by the Northampton Jazz Festival. Visitors can enjoy wine from local vendors, order picnics to-go from area restaurants, or bring their own food to enjoy on the museum’s beautiful grounds.

Enjoy breezy, late Thursday evenings while you picnic in The Carle’s beautiful grounds and take in the rhythms of live jazz and global music.

“Music and art go together like bread and butter,” said Ruth Griggs, president of the Northampton Jazz Festival.“Add in the beautiful outdoor setting of The Carle, a picnic supper, and you have a wonderful family evening. The Northampton Jazz Festival is thrilled to partner with The Carle to bring a diversity of local jazz musicians to help make the summer sunsets at The Carle linger a little longer.”

“Summer at The Carle offers something for everyone,” said The Carle’s executive director Jennifer Schantz. “We welcome the local community and visitors to our beautiful region to spend the summer with us, exploring the galleries and getting inspired to create art of their own, and sampling tasty food and drinks from local businesses. We are also excited to present performances by talented musicians in partnership with our friends at the Northampton Jazz Festival.”

Sunset Thursdays, July 3 through August 31, 5 –8pm

Featured musicians brought to you by the Northampton Jazz Festival are:

July 3

Ben Malynoski Plus2 (saxophone trio)

July 10

Ryan Hollander and Allan Bezame (vocals & guitar)

July 24

.mp3, featuring Dylan Walter on piano, Aeneas Strozier on bass, and McCoy Plaisted on drums

July 31

Vernon David &Rob Fontana (cello & piano)

August 14

Evan Arntzen & Matt DeChamplain (clarinet, sax & piano)