New Port Richey Library Announces Free Riverside Concert Series for Fall 2026

August 5, 2026 michele525 DIVERSIONS | THINGS TO DO, IN THE LOOP, LIBRARY EVENTS, STEPPING OUT ON THE TOWN 0

bands-concerts-newportricheylibrary2025 — The New Port Richey Library's Riverside Concert Series gets underway on Friday, September 25 in the small Amphitheatre by Grassin Bridge in downtown New Port Richey. File Photo | Michele Miller (2025)

August 5, 2026

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

What better way to start the weekend?

That’s been my thought, time after time, after attending these casual concerts held in a small amphitheatre down by the river. The bands and backdrop change from month to month with the shortening of the days, but the feeling of community is a constant.

Our local libraries have proved to be a wonderful resource, providing needed and complementary services while expanding the world experience for patrons and the community at large.

These Riverside Concerts are a wonderful perk that brings musicians of all genres into the community. Among them: Jazz, Bassanova, EMO, Blues and really fun performances by The Garbage-men, a Sarasota-based band that plays on recycled instruments, and the crowd-pleasing Shaylyn Band, which proved so popular that the city brought them back for the Red, White & Blue Hometown Extravaganza held in June.

Might not have heard of either of those bands if the NPR Library didn’t bring them here.

So I’m looking forward to what the library has in store this year. And I’ll be marking my calendar.

Take a gander at the season, which kicks off in September with the Jahfari Reggae Band. Weather permitting, all concerts take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Feel free to bring a blanket or chair for seating

Jahfari Reggae Band, 6 p.m. Friday, September 24

Jahfari Reggae Band delivers a unique mix of reggae styles, from ska and rocksteady to roots and dancehall. With infectious rhythms and positive vibes, Jahfari keeps the music flowing and the crowd “Moving Forward!”

Lily Holbrook, 6 p.m. Friday, October 23

From New York City to Los Angeles, Lily Holbrook has captivated audiences with her enchanting voice and folk-rock sound. Now based in St. Petersburg, the acclaimed singer-songwriter blends heartfelt music with a passion for activism, using her songs to inspire and champion causes close to her heart.

The NightBumpers, 6 p.m. Friday, November 13

The NightBumpers bring high-energy American roots music to the stage with toe-tapping rhythms, swinging grooves, and blues-infused style. Inspired by the jump and swing era of the 1940s, their sound is a lively tribute to a timeless musical tradition.

Forest & Margaret McCurren, 6 p.m. Friday, December 13

Forrest McCurren comes from the heart of the heartland, where the foothills of the Ozarks meet the Big Muddy in the middle of Missouri. Blending timeless songwriting with vivid storytelling, he crafts songs that capture the beauty, humor, and complexity of everyday life in Middle America.