December 16, 2010

Town Square Set to Welcome Back Concerts in the Park

Spring fever has taken hold of Biltmore Park Town Square, and a chillier week has set area residents' determination to get outside and enjoy the season regardless of temperature or rain. Over the past several weeks, families have been out in full force in Town Square, strolling to restaurants, playing in the park outside of Hickory Tavern Grill & Raw Bar, perusing the boutiques and stores that line Town Square Boulevard, and more. After a challenging winter, Biltmore Park's walkability is a major point of appeal for visitors and residents wanting to get outside, not to mention a hot topic for Earth Day this week. But while walkability, dining, and shopping are all exciting, they aren't the only qualities and events that Town Square enthusiasts will enjoy this year.

Right now, Biltmore Park is gearing up to kick off its second annual Concerts in the Park music series. With some of the biggest names in the Asheville music scene scheduled to perform, Town Square will have event-goers up on their feet and dancing into summer in no time. Beginning in May and running through September, the concerts will take place on the first Saturday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Cecil Park (outside of Brixx Pizza and Hickory Tavern Grill and Raw Bar).

The first concert, featuring the Kat Williams Trio, will be next weekend on Saturday, May 1st. Williams' soulful voice and vibrant personality promise to start the concert series off on the right foot. The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, an eleven piece ensemble, will follow in June with tunes from the late 60s and early 70s. An area longtime favorite, Skinny Legs and All, recently made famous by the lead singer's appearance on American Idol, will bring their melodies to Town Square in July, followed by Asheville's own British Pop band The Cheeksters. Finally, Firecracker Jazz Band will finish out the series and lead us into fall with their colorful sounds.

So go ahead, mark your calendars, and get ready to dance the evenings away.