and accessibility of this transformative program. The event reflects Tanglewood’ s broader ethos of nurturing the next generation of musicians, offering them a platform alongside celebrated artists while helping them develop the skills and confidence to flourish in their musical journeys.
The Pop and Americana Connection
Tanglewood’ s 2025 Popular Artist Series carries a strong undercurrent of Americana, American Pop, and Folk traditions, reflecting a broader resurgence of American culture in popular music. James Taylor returns for his annual performances, continuing a beloved tradition at Tanglewood. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this year’ s programming sets the stage for that celebration.
The season opens with hip hop icon and multiple Grammy ® winner Nas, who joins the Boston Pops for his Tanglewood debut on June 27. The following evening, Jon Batiste— building on his electric Tanglewood performances in 2021 and 2024— returns to the Shed with his signature blend of soul, jazz, and pop( June 28). A fascinating local connection emerges with Tiny Habits, an indie-folk trio with ties to the Berkshires-based Salt Lick Incubator program, opening for James Taylor and his All-Star Band on July 3 and 4. The incubator, founded by former Berklee College of Music President Roger Brown, has helped launch the careers of numerous artists.
One of the season’ s unexpected highlights is the return of Barenaked Ladies on July 8( see page 37), joined by alt-rock veterans Sugar Ray and Fastball. Legendary artists Emmylou Harris and Graham Nash will perform together on July 29, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for anthems like“ Sweet Home Alabama” and“ Free Bird,” will make their long-awaited Tanglewood debut on August 30, followed by Bonnie Raitt’ s performance on August 31.( See story on page 30.) Raitt, a 13-time Grammy ® winner, will close the traditional season,
marking a powerful end to the summer. Then, extending the season’ s run in an unforgettable fashion, EGOT winner John Legend will bring his soaring vocals and emotional power to the Shed on September 5. The juxtaposition of generational talents throughout the season arguably echoes the ethos of Tanglewood’ s pop programming last summer, when the inimitable Judy Collins performed on the same bill as the Indigo Girls, delivering a riveting performance that bridged decades of evolving musical traditions.( See Shout Out on page 6, on Collins’ returning to the Berkshires.)
Celebrating Keith Lockhart’ s 30th Anniversary
A major focal point of this season is the 30th anniversary celebration of Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart. Leading the Pops since 1995, Lockhart will be honored with a special tribute concert on August 22, featuring an all-star lineup including Bernadette Peters, Ben
94 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2025
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