ASHEBORO — Asheboro’s summer concert series is expanding.
After assessing interest based on an event on a Friday night last August, it was determined to add another series in addition to the popular outdoor concerts at Bicentennial Park.
“It was a good turnout, so this year we assume it’s going to be the same,” said Taylor Crawford, who’s Sunset Theatre coordinator for the City of Asheboro. “And now we’re going to make it a series.
May’s schedule calls for Sunday’s kickoff event with the East Coast Rhythm & Blues.
The first Friday edition of “Rock’N the Park” comes May 20 with Stephanie Quayle. The opening band will feature Casey Noel.
The Sunday events will continue largely with beach themes. The Friday concerts will feature tribute bands.
For concerts on Fridays and Sundays, a new twist will be the presence of food trucks. Crawford said she hopes these add to the experience and the dining offerings.
The Sunday concerts are slated to run from 7-8:30 p.m. Additional concerts are slated for June 5 (Sand Band), June 19 (Envision), July 10 (Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot), July 24 (The Castaways) and Aug. 21 (Mason Lovette). A special Memorial Day event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 5 with Cats Band.
Friday’s events go from 6-10 p.m. Also on the docket for these nights are Live Wire (June 10), Rumours ATL (July 15) and Who’s Bad (Aug. 5).
Live Wire is an AC/DEC tribute band, Rumours ATL is a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and Who’s Bad is a Michael Jackson tribute band.
Pam Hester, a city employee, oversees the bookings for the Sunday series. Rebekah McGee, executive director of Downtown Asheboro Inc., is handling the scheduling of bands for the Friday concerts.
McGee also coordinated the food trucks. She said five to nine will be on hand for each concert.
“We’ve had a great response,” McGee said.
For the 2021 Friday event, there were three food trucks. Those sold out of food, McGee said, while area restaurants were packed.
The goal is to provide a unique mix of food, McGee said. Staples among the food trucks will be a hot dog vendor, ice cream, Italian ice and traditional bar food. Others that will rotate among the events include Japanese offerings, Mexican food and Vegan and smoothies.
The Sunday shows have generally attracted crowds of about 600 attendees, Crawford said. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
“They come and set up chairs as early as 2 o’clock,” Crawford said. “They take their beach music pretty seriously.”
As usual, if weather threatens to interfere, the concerts won’t be called off until the last minute, Crawford said.
