Valdese, NC – The wait is over and the 2024 Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series is almost here! Celebrate the season with 16 live performances from regional artists who bring a variety of familiar favorites and new sounds to Downtown Valdese.
Summer Concerts in Valdese are a favorite Friday night activity for locals and visitors. These warm summer nights welcome attendees with lawn games, unique eats, and outstanding music. Families enjoy the safe environment for children to dance and later enjoy a snack on a picnic blanket. Temple Field provides the perfect location for all ages to enjoy summer nights filled with family-friendly entertainment. Located behind the Old Rock School on Main Street, the large grassy lawn provides the perfect seat for the speaker seeker or attendees who prefer background music to their conversations with friends and neighbors. Concerts begin at 7pm with a welcome and conclude at 10pm.
The season kicks off with a special celebration on May 17th with a true Valdese favorite, Too Much Sylvia. This variety group is sure to get the crowd to their feet. The group consists of Steve Long, the primary lead vocalist, who also plays guitar. In 2020 & 2023 he won the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year w/the Carolina Beach Music Association. Joining Long is Eddy Howie who covers the bass guitar duties and because of his natural high singing abilities, he’s able to sing the songs from the Jersey Boys to Journey! On drums, Don Leonard works the solid groove with Eddy, while he flashes a smile, providing a great feel to keep the audience moving. On the keyboard, Rick Lee steps out front occasionally to get the crowd involved and sing a few R&R songs. Individually, he has been honored w/4 Songwriter and 5 Producer of the Year Awards from the Carolina Beach Music Association. Their vocal blend and harmonies are, really . . . a major part of the 2MS sound. Combine all the above, with their tight, tasteful musical arrangements and it’s a presentation that is appealing to dancers and listeners at a comfortable sound level for everyone.
Bring a chair and a friend and join the Town of Valdese on Temple Field, behind the Old Rock School for FREE live music, great food, community involvement, and fun! All performances will take place at Temple Field at except the Independence Day Celebration and the Waldensian Festival, which will take place at the corner of Rodoret Street and Main Street. Each Friday, local civic groups and non-profit organizations will sponsor the concession stand and will offer a 50/50 raffle where the winner can take home half the money raised.
On May 17th, the event will welcome food trucks including Mountain Burrito and Lucky Dogs. Save your appetite and enjoy great dinner options from these local favorites. The event would not be possible without support from the Valdese Town Council and our amazing sponsors. This year’s season sponsors are Bimbo Bakeries, Mountain Burrito, Catawba Valley Healthcare, UNC Health Blue Ridge.
Only a short walk away, the downtown district of Valdese is home to several restaurants and charming shops! Event attendees are encouraged to pick up takeout at one of twelve locally owned restaurants: pizza, pasta, subs, authentic Mexican cuisine, diner-style burgers and fries, homemade lemonade, and more! Enjoy a picnic on the field with great food, wonderful music, and even better company!
For more information on Valdese events, including a full event calendar, please go to visitvaldese.com or call Valdese Community Affairs at 828-879-2129.
Music Lineup:
5/17/24: Too Much Sylvia- Kickoff Celebration
5/24/24: The Shakedown Band
5/31/24: Skaterink Jukebox
6/7/24: Chasing Phoenix
6/14/24: Little Johnny Trailer Trash
6/21/24: Night Move Band 6/28/24: Ryan Perry- Independence Day Celebration
7/5/24: Randy Clay Band
7/12/24: The Super 60’s
7/19/24: Queen City Sirens 7/26/24: Garrett Huffman Band
8/2/24: Unknown Artist Band
8/9/24: Ace Party Band-Waldensian Festival Kickoff Celebration
8/16/24: Southside Saints
8/23/24: Darrell Harwood
8/30/24: The Tonez- Season Finale
