Swannanoa’s popular outdoor summer concert series is returning to Grovemont Square (adjacent to the Swannanoa Library) for its seventeenth year, with a full schedule of music and family fun on three Tuesday evenings, July 9, July 23 and August 6. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music and food! The concert series is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Concessions are themed to go with the musical genre for each concert, and feature a wide variety of gourmet comfort foods (see details below). All donations and proceeds from concessions help support the Swannanoa Library and Grovemont park and playground, so come with an appetite! Groovin’ on Grovemont is brought to you by two local nonprofits: the Swannanoa Community Council and the Friends of the Swannanoa Library.
Come early for a special pre-Groovin’ program: At 5:00 pm in the library, the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) will present “Lunar-tics.” Participants will explore the day- and night skies with a special inflatable planetarium, and learn about the moon phases and earth’s rotation using hand-held models and flashlights. This is a ticketed event for children ages 9 and up (call 828-250-6486 to reserve a space). Later, visit the AMOS tent during Groovin’ on Grovemont and see science come alive!
Here’s the entertainment and food schedule:
- July 9, 6:00 p.m.: Picante – Latin Jazz
Everyone will want to dance to this five-piece band, comprised of guitar, bass, piano, violin and Latin percussion! Picante performs original and uniquely arranged Latin rhythms, Latin jazz, reggae and popular music. More info: www.picanteband.com.
Concessions menu: Chicken or tempeh tacos; Spanish rice with black beans; grilled corn on the cob with lime chili butter; chips and salsa; mint fruit salad; hamburgers with sliced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese; veggie burgers; pizza from our own Jimmy’s on the River; and more!
- July 23, 6:00 p.m.: Moves – Soul, Rock & Roll
Moves is an Asheville based seven-piece rock band sporting a trio of lead vocalists backed by ambulatory rhythms and inventive combinations of keys, guitars and brass. These experienced musicians carry on the traditions of layered instrumentation and stout three-part harmonies. On stage, they provide nonstop entertainment, delivering well-crafted shows with undeniable ensemble-wide chemistry that’s a treat to the eyes as well as the ears. More info: www.thebandmoves.com.
Concessions menu: Pulled BBQ pork sandwiches; baked beans; mac-daddy and cheese; fried zucchini; heirloom tomato salad; hamburgers with fried pickles and pimento cheese; veggie burgers; pizza from our own Jimmy’s on the River; and more!
- August 6, 6:00 p.m.: LYRIC – Pop, Soul, Funk
With an enlightened mixture of pop, soul and funk, LYRIC awakens an undiscovered spirit within their audience, and consistently delights crowds across the region. Led by the poetic and soulful voice of lyricist and lead singer Leeda Jones, this group of multi-talented musicians has been described by many as the best band in Asheville. More info: www.reverbnation.com/lyricfans.
Concessions menu: Chicken and sausage gumbo; red beans and rice; cracklin’ cornbread; Cajun roasted corn salad; hamburgers with pimento cheese and sliced ham; veggie burgers; pizza from our own Jimmy’s on the River; and more!
Bonus feature during every concert: GIANT USED BOOK SALE from 5-8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Swannanoa Library, adjacent to the park, at 101 West Charleston Avenue. Come check out the newly-remodeled book sale space. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!
If you’d like to support Groovin’ on Grovemont through a sponsorship or donation, or as an event volunteer, please call 828-250-6486, or visit www.GrovemontPark.org.