It’s that time of year again!  The Bluemont Concert Series will be starting again next weekend in Fredericksburg.  Admission is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and Seniors, and $2 for children under 12.  The concert takes place at Maury Stadium on the corner of Hanover Street and Kenmore Ave in downtown Fredericksburg.  If there is inclement weather then the concert is moved to James Monroe High School on the corner of Fall Hill Ave and Washington Ave. 

This summer’s schedule is:

June 27            Black Sheep – a mix of Reggae, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues

July 4               Scott Ainslie – Blues

July 11             Junkyard Saints – blends New Orleans R&B, Zydeco, Latin, Ska, Jump Blues and Mardi Gras Funk.

July 18             Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra – 18 piece Jazz ensemble

July 25             John McCutcheon – Folk

August 1           Notorious – Traditional and Acoustic Contemporary

August 8           The Lindsay Family – a family of horn players

August 15         Knicely Jazz Combo – Jazz, Blues, Swing, and Bluegrass

August 22         The Daryl Davis Band – 5 piece Rhythm and and Blues Rock Band

I went to my very first Bluemont Concert Series last night.  My husband and I are always looking for fun new things to do and this seemed like it could be interesting.  We were lucky enough to see Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, a California bluegrass group.  Laurie Lewis is considered one of the premier bluegrass and Americana artists of our time.   I am now a big fan of bluegrass!   

Bluemont is a non-profit regional arts organization that has been presenting events since 1976.  Bluemont helps bring music programs to Virginia school systems, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the region’s communities.  The music programs are as diverse as the communities enjoying them. 

Fredericksburg’s summer concerts take place every Saturday,  June 28th – August 30th, at Maury Stadium in downtown (corner of Kenmore Ave and George Street/ Hanover Street).  It is $5 for Adults and $2 for children under 12.  You are encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, outdoor toys, and refreshments.  A community group usually has some refreshments for sale with the proceeds going entirely to the group to support their volunteer efforts. 

I highly recommend locals and visitors attend these events.  There was a great sense of wholesome community.  We really enjoyed watching some area children dance and play in the field while listening to amazing live music.  We have decided we will definitely be taking a picnic dinner the next time we go!  

If you would like some more information, please visit:  http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Fredericksburg.html