The warm weather is back and that can only mean one thing, Richmond -- big crowds, loud music and a plethora of awesome outdoor concerts.
Richmonders love an outdoor concert and this summer, once again, the choices are limitless when it comes to catching a great live show under a blanket of sunshine and fresh air.
All summer long, from Brown's Island downtown on the James to the Snagajob.com Pavilion in the West End, you can catch some of your favorite artists as well as plenty of potential new favorites. From rap to reggae to bluegrass to good ol' rock 'n' roll, we have a list of dozens of shows that are sure to satisfy everyone's musical palettes this season.
Unfortunately, there is one concert series that is conspicuously missing from this year's lineup. The always popular Groovin' in the Garden concert series at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is taking a hiatus this summer due to construction of a new rose garden and improvements to the lawn for audience, though it is expected to return in 2009.
Other that that, here is your complete list of outdoor musical events to check out this summer. Enjoy and party on!
AUGUST
Thursday, August 7
w Mark Robert/Breeze Band and Aparallax at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
Friday, August 8
w E3 plays Short Pump Town Center for the Short Pump Summer Concert Series. 6 p.m. Free. (804) 360-1700.
w Anthony Hamilton plays Fridays at Sunset at Kanawha Plaza. 6:30 p.m. $30. Fridaysatsunset.com.
Saturday, August 9
w Lake Anna Winery Country/Bluegrass Jamboree. Enjoy backyard cuisine like a pig roast and comfort food, foot stomping, knee slapping entertainment, tours and wine tasting. 6 p.m. (540) 895-5085.
Thursday, August 14
w Fab at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
Friday, August 15
w Cyrus McCormick & The Reapers play Short Pump Town Center for the Short Pump Summer Concert Series. 6 p.m. Free. (804) 360-1700.
w Ledisi plays Fridays at Sunset at Kanawha Plaza. 6:30 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Fridaysatsunset.com.
Thursday, August 21
w The Embers at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
w DJ Steve's Latin Dance Party at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 6 p.m. $8 for members, $10 for non-members. (804) 340-1405.
Friday, August 22
w Ron Moody & The Centaurs play Short Pump Town Center for the Short Pump Summer Concert Series. 6 p.m. Free. (804) 360-1700.
w Teena Marie plays Fridays at Sunset at Kanawha Plaza. 6:30 p.m. $20. Fridaysatsunset.com.
Thursday, August 28
w North Tower at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
Friday, August 29
KOS plays Short Pump Town Center for the Short Pump Summer Concert Series. 6 p.m. Free. (804) 360-1700.
Saturday, August 30
w Last Days of Summer Jazz. Lake Anna Winery. Join the winery at summer's end for a savory collection of gourmet cuisine. Fee includes live music, wine glass, tours, and tasting. (540) 895-5085.
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, September 4
w The Janitors at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
Thursday, September 11
w Band of Oz at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
Thursday, September 18
w Coastline at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.
w DJ Steve's Latin Dance Party at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 6 p.m. $8 for members, $10 for non-members. (804) 340-1405.
Thursday, September 25
w Casper and The K.O.D.E. at Petersburg's Old Towne Civic Center for Thursdays in Old Towne. 6:30 p.m. $8. (804) 733-8344.