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How it began

 

The Monday Night Concert Series is steeped in local history. It begins with the Farm House Inn and Restaurant, a Blowing Rock staple from the 1950’s until 1997. Blowing Rock has many amazing restaurants, but The Farm House Inn stands out in people’s memory. They were known for their food, view, and talented, singing, waitstaff. Guests would have a meal and be serenaded by some of the best singers in the area. The owners, EJ and Shirley “Shirl” Blackwell are remembered fondly by their former staff, and Shirl is credited with supporting and inspiring the young performers.

Performers at the Farm House Inn and Restaurant would sing solos and put on larger scale productions such as Godspell. The restaurant often served up to 700 people a night! Many longtime Blowing Rock residents and visitors remember The Farm House Inn and their experiences there warmly. 

Monday Night Concert Series

Amy Marie Young Escalante is a previous performer at The Farm House and a creator of The Monday Night Concert Series. She began the series with the help of EJ and Shirl Blackwell continuing the Farm House’s mission to support and showcase rising, local talent while sharing a variety of music with residents and visitors of Blowing Rock. First called “The Farm House Live,” the now Monday Night Concert Series is embarking on its 24th season this summer. Last year Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation took over the management of Monday Night Concert Series and tries to book familiar artists. 

The first concert of the series is held on July 1, 2024 and runs through July 29, 2024. The concerts are located at 173 Lakeside Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 and are set up in the gazebo at Broyhill Park. They begin at 6:30 pm, run approximately one to two hours, and are free and open to the public. Performances will cover a little bit of everything from jazz, to country, to show tunes. Attendees will want to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating comfort. 

The lineup for the 2024 season is as follows:

July 1 – The Conundrums

July 8 – Kyle Horton

July 15 – Abby Bryant and the Echoes

July 22 – Steve Sensenig, Amy Young Escalante, Andy Page, and Krista Jo

July 29 – 3 Toe Possum

Please note that the lineup is subject to change. 

Photographs courtesy of Amy Marie Productions