Tanglewood Tunes

The Tanglewood summer season again offers a kaleidoscopic array of many of the world's great musicians performing an impressive range of music — from classical to jazz, pop, and rock. Returning to Tanglewood this summer are fan favorites including James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Garrison Keillor. A full slate of summer shows is scheduled June 28-Sept. 4, at the Boston Symphony Orchestra's acclaimed summer home located in the beautiful Berkshire Hills, between Lenox and Stockbridge. This summer's schedule offers four appearances by singer/song writer legend James Taylor. One of Tanglewood's most popular artists, Taylor will return this summer to perform four concerts, opening with a special program in the more intimate setting of Ozawa Hall, June 30. Taylor makes a special appearance July 1 with the Boston Pops Orchestra. On July 3 and 4, Tanglewood presents The Essential James Taylor, featuring Taylor with his extraordinary band of musicians for two special performances. Fireworks will follow the July 4 concert. All proceeds from the July 4 concert will benefit Tanglewood. Taylor appears in four concerts June 30 — July 4 that demonstrates his versatility as an artist. On Thursday, June 30 in Ozawa Hall, he offers the music that has made him one of the most iconic artists of our day. Friday, July 1 brings James Taylor and the Boston Pops, a remarkable collaboration with "America's Orchestra," and on Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4, Taylor returns to the Shed with his extraordinary band of musicians for two spectacular performances of The Essential James Taylor. Tanglewood's annual Independence Day fireworks display follows the July 4 concert. Garrison Keillor brings his "A Prairie Home Companion" to Tanglewood on July 2, marking another favorite Tanglewood tradition. The inimitable Keillor and a colorful cast of friends from the shores of Lake Wobegon has become a favorite Tanglewood tradition and once again broadcasts live from the Shed Saturday, July 2. The preseason comes to an end Thursday, July 7 as the Mark O'Connor String Quartet makes its Tanglewood debut performing O'Connor's own music, a fascinating blend of bluegrass, swing, and classical. The 2011 Tanglewood music festival, now in its 74th year as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, opens on Tuesday, June 28, with a world premiere performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group, and closes with the annual Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, Sept. 2-4. For detailed information about the 2011 Tanglewood season, including how to purchase tickets, priced from $9-$115, visit www.tanglewood.org. Tickets for most Tanglewood events go on sale to the general public February 13; the James Taylor and Train concerts go on sale February 6. As of these on-sale dates, tickets are available through Tanglewood's website, www.tanglewood.org, and through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200.