Blowing Rock’s Concert in the Park Series is an annual set of free outdoor concerts. Always on Sundays following Art in the Park, the performances offer entertainment from a variety of musical genres. Family-friendly and casual! Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Memorial Park on Main Street to enjoy the music- all concerts begin at 4pm.
May 26- Watauga Community Band
Jazz & Swing
Brought to life in 1986, the Watauga Community Band has been a musical force in the High Country since its inception. Summer music is pop pieces, marches, show music, patriotic works-all of it fun! Our ‘Warm Season’ band, led by Steve Frank, plays parades, campgrounds, and a series of monthly ‘Gazebo Concerts’ at the Rotary Gazebo in Blowing Rock town park. You can’t miss our ‘red shirt’ summer band! So come join us–we have a great time making some great music!
June 16- The King Bees
Blues/American Roots
The King Bees, Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni call the mountains of North Carolina home, but travel the world with their Blues and American Roots music. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the band. The King Bees have performed on festival stages in European capitals including Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and London and have taken their internationally-acclaimed show across numerous countries. Their love of American Roots music has carried them to shows in Mississippi jukes joints as well as to several performances at Lincoln Center.
July 14- Shay Martin Lovette
Folk
Boone, NC based songwriter and musician, Shay Martin Lovette has been honing his craft on tour in support of his latest album ‘Swifter Drifter’ since it’s release in the summer of 2018. His homespun original folk-rock songs are beginning to make waves across the southeast and beyond and even in Europe where the Berlin, Germany based new folk music curator and playlister, Songpickr selected ‘Swift Drifter’ as one of his favorite albums of 2018. The album was also recently voted #61 on WNCW’s top 100 albums of 2018 by listeners of the station. Lovette has performed at Merlefest, where he won the band competition in 2019, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, and Carolina In The Fall in the past and plans to record his follow up to ‘Swift Drifter’ in 2019.
August 11– Ashley Heath
Soul/Folk
Ashley Heath is an Americana Musician hailing from Asheville, NC who fronts band Ashley Heath and Her Heathens. Voted #1 Acoustic/Folk Artist and #2 Songwriter of WNC by Mountain Xpress readers as well as winning the Band Competition at Merlefest 2018, Heath has set on a mission to connect with as many people as possibly through song. Heath’s vocals have been described as strong and velvety with bluesy tones, and a little twang of country add the unique and authentic twist to her sound. Heath released her first album “A Different Stream” in May 2016 and released Sophomore album “Where Hope Never Dies” with band AH&HH in April 2018. Heath has been touring regionally and has even step foot out on her first National Tour in November 2018 playing venues from Asheville, NC to Los Angeles, CA.
September 8– Sam McKinney
Traditional & Contemporary
Sam McKinney is a talented young local singer and guitarist from Spruce Pine NC whose repertoire includes a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary music. His captivating voice and guitar styles immediately engage the audience and leave them wanting more. His music is energetic and fun no matter what style he chooses to perform. Sam certainly has great things in store for his musical future.
October 6- The Starlighters
Traditional Swing Music
A full swing band comprised of over a dozen talented musicians offering decades of experience in playing Traditional Swing Band music from the 1940 – 1960’s era.
Memorial Park
1036 Main Street
Blowing Rock, NC 28605