Outdoor Summer Concerts Return to the State Botanical Garden

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is pleased to announce the Sunflower Concert Series schedule for 2015. Concerts will be held Tuesday evenings in June, July, August and September in the Flower Garden and offer an eclectic mix of music in one of the most beautiful and relaxing settings possible.

Tickets are $15 each and $5 for children ages 6-12. Admission to each concert includes beverages and light snacks. Please feel free to bring blankets and picnic dinners.  Lawn chairs are allowed on one designated level of the terraced Flower Garden. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory. For information on the concert series or to purchase tickets, visit www.botgarden.uga.edu or the Garden Gift Shop, or call 706-542-9353.

The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, and Flagpole.

Tuesday, June 2: Caroline Aiken, with The Twangtown Paramours opening

Caroline is an award-winning folk singer, whose new album “Broken Wings Heal” has just been released. Caroline has recently performed on NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” and in the past toured with the Indigo Girls. The Twangtown Paramours hail from Nashville, and bring fine harmony singing and inventive musicianship to the stage.

Tuesday, July 28:  Grassland String Band, with Claire Campbell

The Grassland String Band will bring their take on bluegrass/Americana music, with a set with special guest Claire Campbell (from the acclaimed band Hope for a Golden Summer).

Tuesday, August 25: Grogus

Grogus, returns for their annual celebration of Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles and funk versions of jazz standards. The band is a past recipient of the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the jazz and world music categories. Dancing barefoot on the grass is encouraged!

Tuesday, September 29: Arvin Scott, with Marti Winkler

Drummer/percussionist Arvin Scott, an Athens resident who is world-renowned as a jazz musician, and his combo will deliver a jazz performance. Jazz singer Marti Winkler will open the show. This late September concert offers an earlier nightfall and cooler temperatures than the other concerts.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Sunflower Concert Series Celebrates Athens Music in a Garden Setting

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia announces its 10th annual Sunflower Music Series. Each concert will be performed on the stage of the new Flower Garden, a terraced garden between the Day Chapel and the Visitor Center and Conservatory, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The relaxed, beautiful garden setting creates the perfect outdoor summer event. Bring a blanket and picnic, kick off your shoes, and enjoy an evening in the Garden with friends or family.

Performing this year are:

June 22: Randall Bramblett, with Rick Fowler opening.
Randall Bramblett is a singer-songwriter who recently released his 7th solo album and has performed with the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic. “He’s one of Georgia’s musical treasures…Guaranteed to improve your day!” – Dave Schools (Widespread Panic).

July 13: Bloodkin, with Winfield Smith (from Stewart and Winfield) opening
A rock ‘n’ roll band formed in 1986, the Drive-By Truckers and Widespread Panic have both cited Bloodkin as a chief influence. Bloodkin released its 8th album in 2009 and it was named Album of the Year at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards. “Bloodkin are at a hot peak in their odyssey!” – David Fricke (Rolling Stone).

August 24: Grogus, performing two sets
A crowd favorite from the 2009 Sunflower Music Series, Grogus plays Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles, and funk versions of jazz standards. They have won the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the Jazz and World Music categories.

Tickets are $15 each ($10 for members of Friends of the Garden, $5 for children ages 6-12). Each concert includes beverages and light snacks and people are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic suppers to enjoy in the Garden. Concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center & Conservatory if weather necessitates. Lawn chairs are not allowed. Call 706-542-1244 for more information or tickets.

The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, R.E.M., Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, WUGA 91.7 FM, Flagpole and AthensMusic.net.

Grogus - Outdoor Concert in the Garden!

Sunflower Concert Tuesday Night
Tuesday, August 25

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Grogus
Caribbean and Latin Jazz

We’ve enjoyed two concerts in the Flower Garden this summer. Join us for our final Sunflower Concert of the season and hear Grogus! Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members and $5 for children ages 6 – 12. Ticket prices include beverages and light snacks.
Please feel free to bring a blanket and picnic, lawn chairs, however, are not allowed.
Call 706-542-1244 or go to www.uga.edu/botgarden for more information or tickets.

Tickets also at AthensMusic.net and Schoolkids Records.