Midsummer is a great time for a casual and spontaneous group outing for music and an evening picnic, and local governments, venues and business associations oblige with free or cheap concerts on a weekly or monthly basis. From Woodstock to downtown Atlanta and back out to Gwinnett County, you can find bands a short drive away that will please fans of every type. They will please the wallet, too. Most are free, and if not free are more affordable than plunking down a credit card to see the big names at the big venues.
Woodstock Summer Concert Series
One of the best free summer series in the region plays Saturdays here. There’s plenty of food within walking distance of the downtown park, or bring a picnic. July 13: Ed Roland, the lead singer for Collective Soul, brings his Sweet Tea Project to town (Americana). Aug. 10: the Dazz Band (’80s R&B/funk). Sept. 14: the Marshall Tucker Band (Southern rock).
Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. http://www.woodstockconcertseries.com/
Marietta Glover Park Concert Series
Bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chairs to Marietta Square after 4 p.m. for the free summer concerts through September. Set up tables in the street on North Park Square after 6 p.m. July 26: the Grapevine (beach music and oldies). Aug. 23: A1A (Jimmy Buffett tribute band).
Concerts begin at 8 p.m. 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601. http://www.mariettaga.gov/city/residents/parks/specialevents/concertseries
Gwinnett County’s Moonlight & Music Concert Series
Downtown Lawrenceville’s historic courthouse lawn tunes up with free music on the last Friday of each month through September, featuring a variety of sounds. July 26: Randall Bramblett Band (Americana singer-songwriter). Aug. 30: Yacht Rock Schooner (’70s FM radio hits/variety).
Concerts begin at 8 p.m. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-2639. http://www.visitlawrenceville.com/news-profile.php?Article_ID=21
Emory Summer Concert Band 2013 Summer Twilight Concerts
Scott Stewart, director of wind studies at Emory University, conducts the band in the Jenkins Courtyard of the Goizueta Business School. They include light wind band classics, marches, folk songs and musical theater, all in the space of an hour.
8 p.m. July 11 and July 18. Jenkins Courtyard of Goizueta Business School. Free. Parking in Fishburne Parking Deck, 1672 N. Decatur Road. http://www.arts.emory.edu or 404-727-5050.
Jazz on the Lawn at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Not free, but affordable. Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn showcases a lineup of Atlanta’s finest jazz players performing a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, swing, fusion, Latin and blues. Guests can bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy these special concerts under the stars. Second and fourth Fridays of each month. July 12: Scott Glazer’s Mojo Dojo (jazz, blues and Southern soul). July 26: Ted Howe Trio with vocalist Karla Harris (the music of James Bond). Aug. 9: Madoca & Company (contemporary fusion jazz).
Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance or $20 at the door, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. http://www.callanwolde.org/events/index.html
Stone Mountain Village Bluegrass Jam
Wednesday nights during the summer, bring your instrument or just your lawn chair and enjoy the free music. At the Gazebo in the 900 block of Main Street. Rain location is in the old train depot next to the Gazebo.
6 p.m. Wednesdays. Free. http://www.stonemountainvillage.com/
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