Craig Cotter and the Hurricane Open 35th Season of Payson Park Music Festival

BELMONT — July 2, 2025 — Craig Cotter and the Hurricane launched Belmont's Payson Park Music Festival summer season with a Wednesday evening outdoor concert. David Amello, a board member standing in for an absent regular emcee, told the crowd the festival has been running for 35 years and that the July 2 show was underwritten by a private donation. The concert, which featured original songs by band members including bassist Steve Gilligan alongside covers of the Beatles, Steely Dan, the Mavericks, and James McMurtry, was broadcast live on Belmont Media — channel 29 on Verizon and channel 9 on AT&T — and streamed on the festival's website. Amello noted the event is always privately sponsored and encouraged residents who could not attend to share the stream link with friends.