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Grab the Family and Groove to the Tunes This Summer with a High Country Summer Music Series Concert

by Madison V. Fisler

July 11, 2013. Summertime in the High Country is the perfect time to get out there and find some culture. During the warm months, there are many different options for summer concerts on different days and at varying locations. Almost every day of the week features a concert or show for you to take in. Whether its traditional High Country tunes you’re looking for, or more contemporary jams, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at a Summer Music Series Concert. 

The Jones House Concerts on the Lawn: Friday evenings

view-1In the heart of downtown Boone, nestled behind picturesque trees and a lush, green lawn sits the Jones House. In 1908, Dr. John Walter Jones built this historic house, which overlooks the bustling King Street in the center of downtown. On Friday evenings during the summer months, hundreds of patrons fill the front lawn to listen to free concerts of popular regional acts and local favorites. 

Jones House Old-Time Jam Session: Thursday evenings

In addition to the concerts on the lawn, every Thursday evening from 7:30-11:00 p.m. the Jones House offers a jam session that is free and open to musicians, dancers, and spectators. Jam sessions frequently feature folk songs, with occasional bluegrass songs as well. Prepare for a great time, as dancing is a common occurence. 

Concerts in the Park: Thursday evenings

The Tate-Evans Park in beautiful Banner Elk has an outdoor amphitheater where every Thursday afternoon a free concert takes place. Everyone brings a lawn chair and a cooler to listen to popular local music groups. From blues to bluegrass, there’s always a little grooving and a raffle giveaway!

Fred’s Summer Concerts at the Gazebo

Travel way up in elevation to 5,506 feet and you will find Fred’s General Merchantile in scenic Beech Mountain. Take in the quaint, old style feneral store and grab a soda pop or two for the kids. Now celebrating 34 years of service to the community, Fred’s offers summer concerts at the gazebo. With five shows in the lineup for this summer, it is a beautiful drive to a beautiful setting for a wonderful afternoon of music. 

Music on the Lawn at the Best Cellar: Friday evenings

Enjoy Music on the Lawn at the Best Cellar in Blowing Rock. The lawns of the Ragged Inn and Gardens are an acre of beautiful flowers and greenery. On Fridays, the lawn fills up with folks for a truely great social event with wonderful music, a great outside bar and plenty of room to wander around. Some folks bring a chair and some just mingle, but everyone has a great time and is sure to return week after week.

Cook Memorial Park: Two Saturdays a month

Home to the New River, historic Todd also has free music concert series at Cook Memorial Park. Grab a lawn chair, a blanket or sit on the grass to enjoy the fresh air and free tunes featuring local bluegrass, blues and folk rock. The Todd General Store is just across the street within earshot of the music. The concert series happens two Saturdays in the months of June, July and August. 

Concerts in the Courtyard: Wednesday evenings

The Bayou Smokehouse and General Store in scenic downtown Banner Elk greets guests with authentic Louisiana and Texas cuisine. And with that Cajun spirit the Bayou helps host the Concerts in the Courtyard Series on Wednesdays. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, the courtyard bustles with music and people with everyone having a good time. The Bayou is a great place to start a night on the town. 

Music in the Valle: Friday evenings

Every Friday evening Valle Crucis community park comes alive with tunes for everyone to enjoy. Complete with a playground for the kids and a walking trail for the entire family, the Music in the Valle is perfect for an evening out with the whole gang. Admission is free, but as the park is run on donations, a $5 donation to the park per person in attendance is recommended. Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic for the family. 

Alpen Summer Concerts: Sunday evenings

Enjoy one of many free outdoor concerts this season at the Alpen Inn Pavilion on Beech Mountain. The concerts run every Sunday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. through Labor Day. Each concert is completely free and open to the public. To best enjoy the show, bring a lawn chair, blanket, or feel free to use the provided seating at the venue. Food and beverages are available for purchase on the lawn through the Alpen Inn Restaurant. All of the events are family and pet friendly.