Before you plunge into the Folk Festival this weekend, mark your calendar for next Friday and Saturday when Jack Neary and friends bring “The Music Man” to Lowell. Here are the particulars straight from Jack:

Just wanted to remind folks about the NEW Greater Lowell Music Theatre, and our upcoming production of THE MUSIC MAN IN CONCERT, set for August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Durgin Hall, Wilder Street, UMass Lowell. Leon Grande, Phyllis George and I have embarked upon this venture, and so far the experience has been exhilarating. The concert will include THE MUSIC MAN in its entirety–book, music, lyrics and even some fancy dancing. What the audience may miss in scenery, we’ll certainly try to make up in musicianship and performance, as we will feature noted soprano Mara Bonde, Northshore favorite John Budzyna, Boston television legend Dick Flavin, and some stellar voices from the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Call 978-935-2099 for tickets, or visit our web site at www.glmt.org.