By Sarah Sullivan
Intern
June has arrived, and with it comes sweltering beach days, backyard barbecues and free concerts at Wrightsville Beach Park.
These family-friendly events take place each Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. The series begins this Thursday, June 16, with the band Southern Trouble. A different group will perform each week through Aug. 4.
Katie Ryan, Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation program supervisor, said the events have taken place each summer since 1996. The summer series originally began as outdoor movies at the park, but organizers quickly found concerts drew in more Wrightsville Beach residents.
This summer’s series features a mix of country, rock and reggae groups as well as cover bands that play from all genres.
Many of the bands are known in the Wilmington area from other shows like the Airlie Gardens and Downtown Sundown concert series.
Cover band Jack Jack 180 plays frequently at the Sounds of Summer concerts.
“Just the setting and where it is, the type of crowd you get, it’s one of our favorite venues to play of the year,” said Don Spiers, the band’s drummer and vocalist. “We play several outdoor concerts but the Sounds of Summer venue is awesome. It’s a real diverse crowd, and the bands they get out there are all kid friendly. The families are all sitting under the trees. It’s a really nice area.”
The band plays songs from different genres — Spiers said they have something for everyone.
“We play all covers from other bands that are recognizable for the crowd, and people like hearing tunes that they know,” he said. “We try to mix it up so you don’t know what’s coming next. We go from a rock song to a pop song to a classic Motown.”
Ryan said the turnouts for the Sounds of Summer shows are wonderful. The grassy area in front of the stage can get pretty crowded, so it is best to get there a little early, she said. Families are welcome to settle in with lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. Food and drink from local vendors will also be available, including CJ’s Hotdogs and SurfBerry smoothies.
The summer kickoff this week will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inclusive playground, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The event will officially open the new playground, funded by a $300,000 grant from Trillium Health Resources. Trillium will provide refreshments as well as prizes and giveaways.
Sounds of Summer Concert Schedule
June 16 Southern Trouble
June 23 The Schoolboys
June 30 The Fury
July 7 Selah Dubb
July 14 Jack Jack 180
July 21 Machine Gun Band
July 28 Bantum Rooster
Aug. 4 The Imitations
