By Jim Sparrow, CEO and President of The Arts Council

Summer: a time we look forward to for the opportunities it brings and the pace in which they unfold.  Slowing down, getting outside to enjoy warm days, and soaking up the beautiful sunshine encourages us to take in the season, spend time together, and have fun.  What better way to enjoy summer than with outdoor performances?  This year, with the support of Forsyth County and Lowes Foods, The Arts Council is trying to increase our options by launching its Summer Park Series in Tanglewood and Triad Parks.  Having greater opportunities to participate in the arts as well as benefit from all that the region has to offer is one of the goals of The Arts Council.  This series is just another step in providing more ways for all of Forsyth County and the greater Piedmont to enjoy an important facet of art: music.

If you have not been to Triad Park, you will find a beautiful place to hike, play, or just spend time being active outdoors.  One of the most significant attributes about the park is the Carolina Field of Honor Memorial, along with the new amphitheater at the base of the hill.  Surrounding the area is parking, picnic sheds, and seating as well as public restrooms.

For residents of Kernersville utilizing Triad Park and the beautiful new amphitheater, this summer promises to be a great experience for all in attendance. The next two events at Triad Park include “An Evening of Bluegrass” brought to us with the help of our performing partner the Blue Ridge Music Center on June 5 at 5 p.m.  The featured performers will be the internationally-known Kruger Brothers who recently performed at MerleFest among other engagements, as well as opening act for the Williams Brothers. Their experience and talent brings the promise of a great evening.

On July 3 at 6 p.m., the series will host “Patriotic Pops” celebrating the July 4th weekend with a concert of patriotic and film music performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony under the direction of Maestro Matthew Troy and in collaboration with Judy Barnes Band.  Each of the performances will have food trucks and beverages available for purchase, but the events themselves are free and family friendly.  We do suggest that you bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on, but otherwise just bring an eagerness to listen to a great evening of music.  In the event of rain, there are rain plans and more information is available by visiting our website.  If you miss the Patriotic Pops on the third or want to see it again, there will be a second weekend of the performance at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons on July 10 at 6 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you at the park this summer and hope you will make this a regular part of your family traditions for years to come.

All of the performances are free at both parks and there is a full listing at www.IntoTheArts.org.