Celebrate America 250 at Tanglewood: James Taylor and his All-Star Band Return on July 3 & 4, 2026

As America marks its 250th anniversary, American musical icon James Taylor returns to Tanglewood with his All-Star Band for performances on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in Tanglewood’s Koussevitzky Music Shed. Taylor’s July 4 performance will be followed by an Independence Day fireworks display over the Stockbridge Bowl and proceeds from the holiday concert will be donated by Kim and James Taylor to support Tanglewood. 

The 2026 concerts mark 52 years since Taylor first performed at Tanglewood, beginning a favorite annual tradition that has become the emotional centerpiece of the festival’s Popular Artist Series. Summer after summer, Taylor displays his inimitable ability to maintain an intimate audience connection while consistently selling out the Shed and drawing a capacity “Lawn Nation” crowd, many of whom share his deep ties to the Berkshires. One of the world’s most decorated and beloved singer-songwriters, Taylor was awarded the 2024 Tanglewood Medal in recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments as an artist and performer and his many contributions to the Tanglewood and Berkshires communities. Prior medal recipients were: Seiji Ozawa (the BSO’s longest serving music director), John Oliver (Tanglewood Festival Chorus founder and director), and John Williams (composer and Boston Pops Conductor Laureate). 

Click here to download the complete release.