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Beech Mountain Summer Sunday Sunset Concert Series Continues at Fred’s General Mercantile

By Katie Benfield 

On Sunday, July 9, the Fred’s Gazebo Music Series returns to Beech Mountain to start off the summer concert series with a bang.

“It’s a series of five concerts,” Bernie Knepka, Business Manager of Fred’s General Mercantile, said, “and there will be a lot of genres, such as bluegrass, gospel, classic Irish music, American folk music and some celtic music.”

The gazebo outside of Fred’s General Mercantile will be surrounded by people of all ages as they eagerly await for the band to set up and start playing for them as the sun slowly sets in the sky. The band begins performing at 6:30 p.m. and the performances usually last until 8:00 p.m. 

“The setting is really unique,” Knepka said. “Its a small town atmosphere because the performances actually take place in the gazebo, and everyone just sits around and listens.”

According to Knepka, the concert series has been going on for an incredibly long time, and it’s something that the summer residents, who have second homes up here in the High Country, look forward to and love during their stay with us. 

This year’s music series will be kicking off with The Cockman Family, a very well-respected and known bluegrass gospel group. Along with The Cockman Family are other incredibly talented and renowned bands that have made appearances all over the High Country. 

“The best part about this series is the musicians that we get; we get some very, very good musicians,” Knepka said. “We have all of these high-profile, talented musicians, and it’s a nice and relaxed setting.”

Not only is it a relaxing setting that all in attendance can use to unwind, but its also pet-friendly and everyone can bring their own coolers if that’s convenient and desired. 

With every member of the family (including the furry ones) being able to find that perfect place on the lawn, they can bust open the cooler for some drinks and snacks as the band sets up to serenade each and every one of them as the sun sets. 

“People can just sit back on the lawn,” Knepka said, “and just relax.”

 

 

This year’s lineup is as follows : 

July 9 : The Cockman Family

July 16 : The Mountain Home Bluegrass Blues

July 23 : Strictly Clean and Decent

July 30 : Amantha Hill

Aug 6 : Thistle Dew feat. Rhodyjane Meadows and Lonny Finley