Songs of Summer

Mark Kuykendall bluegrass group at Shindig on the Green

Shindig on the Green 
Asheville
Now in its 51st year, the Shindig brings old-timey and folk music to the heart of downtown on Saturdays. Informal jam sessions pop up across the grassy park, so bring your instrument and something to sit on while you cozy up with new and old friends. Concessions from local eateries are available. Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park; Saturdays, July 1-September 2, 7-10 p.m.; www.folkheritage.org

Street Dances, Monday Night Live, & Music on Main
Hendersonville
Three series will bring 22 shows to Hendersonville’s visitor center this summer: Street Dances feature bluegrass bands and clogging teams; Monday Night Live mixes up blues, Latin, honky-tonk, and more; and Music on Main brings beach music and oldies cover bands for the biggest dance party in town. Classic car shows are paired with Friday performances. All shows are 7-9 p.m.; Street Dances, Mondays, July-August; Monday Night Live, Mondays in June; Music on Main, Fridays, June-August; 201 S. Main St.; www.historichendersonville.com

Window World Concerts on the Deck 

Window World Concerts on the Deck 
North Wilkesboro
This concert series features live acts at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace. The season lineup includes North Tower, Jim Quick & Coastline, and Blackwater Rhythm & Blues. Bring a chair, but don’t miss the chance to strut your stuff on the large dance floor. 842 CBD Loop; third Saturdays of the month, May-October; 6-10 p.m.; www.north-wilkesboro.com/events

Pickin’ in the Park
Canton
On Friday nights, June through August, bluegrass bands are joined by cloggers for Pickin’ in the Park. The event is also open to musicians who want to bring instruments for impromptu sessions in the Jamming Shed near the main stage. Canton Recreation Center, 77 Penland Rd.; 7-9 p.m.; www.cantonnc.com/events

Downtown After 5 
Asheville
Downtown Asheville’s outdoor concert series started in 1988 and has gotten bigger and better every year. Enjoy a killer lineup of local and national bands, plus concessions from local breweries and food trucks. At the May 19 opener, the Josh Phillips Big Band opens for the High & Mighty Brass Band. N. Lexington Ave.; third Fridays, May-September, 5-9 p.m.; www.ashevilledowntown.org/downtownafter5

Haywood Community Band Concert Series 
Maggie Valley
This concert band has over 40 members who love to play music, whether it’s jazz, blues, or classical. The band performs at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion monthly from May to September, with an additional Independence Day performance and a final show on October 29. 3433 Soco Rd.; third Sundays, 6:30 p.m.; www.haywoodcommunityband.org

UNCA Concerts on the Quad

UNCA Concerts on the Quad
Asheville
On select Monday evenings in summer, head over to UNCA’s leafy main quad with a chair or blanket and a picnic to hear music from some of the region’s best artists. A free kids’ activity will be led by the Student Environmental Center during all four shows. 1 University Heights; June 19 & 26, July 10 & 17, 7-8:30 p.m.; 1 University Heights; www.cesap.unca.edu/concerts-quad

Music on Main
Sparta
With shows on the first Friday of each month beginning in June, Music on Main brings local and national acts to downtown Sparta. This year’s lineup includes the Forlorn Strangers, the Ragbirds, and Shadowgrass. Classic cruisers are invited to park along Main Street. Various venues in downtown Sparta; first Fridays, June-October, 6-9 p.m. ; Facebook: Sparta Music on Main