Graphic for the Sounds of Summer in First Ward Park

Spring is upon us, and summer is not far away. That blanket you’ve been using to stay warm? Bring it down to First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte as the fourth Summer Concert Series kicks off May 3rd.

On four Friday nights this summer, the Great Lawn at First Ward Park will come alive with the sound of grassroots music. The concert series kicks off with the Yonder Mountain String Band. Hank, Pattie & the Current open for them.

“We’re continuing with the great cultural programming that started at Romare Bearden Park when it first opened,” says Danielle Maddox-Tester, the Special Events Coordinator for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Central Park Region. “It’s a chance for everyone to enjoy one of our great parks and music.”

This year’s genre centers around Roots and Americana music, with its homegrown sound. While not all of the acts hail from North Carolina, most have Carolina ties and one, Emily Sage, calls Charlotte home.

“We wanted regional bands to keep with the relaxed, hometown feel of summer,” says Maddox-Tester. “We thought we could reach more residents with Roots and Americana because people really enjoy its inviting and relaxing vibe.”

The 2019 Summer Concert Series is presented by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, and supported by Partners for Parks. This is the second year Partners for Parks and Park and Recreation have teamed up for the series.

“I can’t wait for this summer’s series!” exclaimed Beth Poovey, President of Partners for Parks. “I get the most excited about bringing the public together in our great parks and open spaces.”

Partners for Parks is supporting the Concert Series by helping spread the word about county parks during the concerts, and talking to concertgoers about the strengths of working together to support and enhance local parks.

The Partners hope they can make new friends, and maybe find a few new volunteers to strengthen the group’s vision of “Breathing Life Into Our Communities.”

You can see the lineup here: uptowncharlotteparks.com/first-ward-park/

Megaphone icon on blue circle

News You May Be Interested In

Park with text

Pop-Up Bike Trail Coming to Cordelia Park for 1 Week in June

Riding your bike “off-road” on trails sure looks like a lot of fun. But if you’ve shied away from trying it because you didn’t…

Read More

Van with Meck Rec & Roll graphics

Mecklenburg County Park & Rec is On a Roll with Their New Van

Look for recreation to roll into a neighborhood near you this summer -- literally! The new Mecklenburg County Park &…

Read More

exterior of building with sign

Eastway Recreation Center Opens as First Multi-Use Regional Center

After more than 4 years of planning and construction, Mecklenburg County’s first-of-its-kind multi-use regional recreation center…

Read More

two adults and a child playing on playground equipment in front of the Charlotte, NC skyline

Uptown’s Newest Art Piece is a Musical Balancing Act

Sit, stand, dance, or wobble -- First Ward Park’s newest interactive artwork lets you move to your own tune and make music by…

Read More

pavilion next to a playground

Spring Forward Into Two Updated Mecklenburg County Parks!

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is kicking off Spring with an invitation to visit two parks with new and updated…

Read More

group of children in wheelchairs circled around 4 coaches in a gymnasium

Rollin’ Hornets Hit the Courts at New Home

The Hornets are rolling again! If you’re an NBA fan, you probably think we’re talking about the Charlotte Hornets, whose rookie,…

Read More

Contact Information

PO Box 32365
Charlotte, NC 28232

Join the Partners for Parks Mailing List.

We’d love to stay in touch. Get the very latest on new initiatives, special events, and major accomplishments.

"(Required)" indicates required fields

Partners for Parks is a volunteer-driven nonprofit supported by a dedicated Executive Director and engaged Board of Directors. Our members play an active role on the Executive Board and committees, helping to advocate for, fund, and advance projects that strengthen and grow our park system. There are many ways to get involved. Some opportunities are ongoing, while others are single-day events. Whether you have a specific skill to share or simply want to lend a hand, we would love to find the right fit for you.

Interested in volunteering? Reach out to us at info@partnersforparks.org to get started.