By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com
Can you think of a better way to spend a summer evening in the High Country than with dinner, drinks, free live music and fresh mountain air? We can’t either.
If that sounds like the good time you’re looking for, don’t miss the free weekly concerts in the park hosted by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.
Every Thursday night beginning on June 23, the Robbins Amphitheater at Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk becomes the site of a community-wide celebration. Free concerts begin at 6:30 p.m., feature a different popular local band every week and typically draw 800-1,200 guests at a time — but don’t worry, there’s plenty of space in the park to kick back in your favorite lawn chair.
“The concerts in the park are usually a lovely evening. We’ve never had a problem with it being too hot or too cold,” said Banner Elk Chamber President Jo-Ann McMurray. “There are food vendors and beer and wine vendors, so they can eat and drink and just have a great time listening to some really good music.”
The free weekly concert series is just one of many reasons that folks, both locals and visitors alike, choose to spend time in Banner Elk during the summer.
“It’s a lovely quiet community. You can walk around town and we have some great restaurants,” McMurray said. “We also have the book exchange now, where you can go in, sit down and read a book — it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. We almost always have some kind of activities going on, too.”
Concerts in the park are sponsored by the chamber and participating local businesses, ensuring that anyone and everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the experience week after week.
“I think it’s our job to entertain our guests,” said McMurray. “It’s just something we do as the welcoming committee of Banner Elk to help our businesses and our town.”
If you’re in the mood for a little picnicking, swing by the Bayou Smokehouse and Grill before you head to the park and pack your party supplies! Order some fried chicken to go, mix your own six-pack from the Bayou general store’s large selection of craft and import beers or choose your favorite bottle of wine. Don’t forget to grab a bag of ice!
For more information, visit bannerelk.org or contact the chamber at 828-898-8395.
Continue reading for the schedule of events for Concerts in the Park and start making plans to spend your Thursday nights in Banner Elk.
Banner Elk Thursday Night Concerts in the Park 2016
- June 23: Dave Calvert Collective (rock and roll)
- June 30: Extraordinaires (classic rhythm and blues)
- July 7: Flying Saucers (rockabilly and oldies)
- July 14: Mama’s Remedy (classics, southern rock)
- July 21: Jocassee with Wilson Braswell and Hope Harvey (classics, southern rock)
- July 28: Buick Mackane (’80s, southern rock, country)
- Aug. 4: Sharkadelics (classic rock)
- Aug. 11: Benny Wilson Band (rock and roll)
- Aug. 18: Wolf Creek (southern rock)
- Aug. 25: Soul Benefactor (funky soul, classics)
- Sept. 1: Whip Daddies (classics)
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