CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Summer is not nearly over, and even if you're not a huge fan of big multiday music festivals or maybe don't care much for the crowds that go to them, there still are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy live music outdoors.
Most are within short driving distance. All are either modestly priced or free.
Live on the Levee
Each summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Charleston's Haddad Riverfront Park hosts a free Friday-night concert series on the Schoenbaum stage featuring mostly homegrown talent -- typically, some of the best of the best local bands, with a few groups from outside Charleston thrown in.
During the past few seasons, the concert series has included some regional, national and international acts. Upcoming highlights include Grateful Dead tribute band The Dark Star Orchestra on July 13, rambunctious rockers Brownsville Station Aug. 3, and Ireland's Henry Girls Aug. 10.
Shows usually begin about 6:30 p.m. with an opening act.
For more information, visit www.liveontheleveecharleston.com or call 304-348-8014.
Pipestem Amphitheater
Pipestem State Park is a great weekend destination for fans of old time, oldies and beach music. Comfortably away from the highway, the park boasts beautiful woodland surroundings, which enhances the park's usually fun and laidback music fare.
Shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 1.
This season, among offerings almost every weekend, Pipestem welcomes Monroe County bluegrass band Hans Creek Grass on July 14, a farewell show for popular classic rock and beach music group The Collegians on July 21 and "golden oldies" band ('50s and '60s rock and R&B) The Emeralds on July 28 and Sept. 1.
Advance tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
Advance tickets the day of the show until 2 p.m. are $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
Day of the show tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
For more information, visit www.pipestemresort.com or call 304-466-1800.
Stonewall Resort Festival of Steel
Beginning at noon July 21, Stonewall Resort hosts an all-day showcase of steel drum and other live music at Roanoke Activity Plaza lawn, overlooking Stonewall Jackson Lake.
Bands appearing include Motown Steel, Kalabash, Mosaic Steel Orchestra and others.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Summer is not nearly over, and even if you're not a huge fan of big multiday music festivals or maybe don't care much for the crowds that go to them, there still are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy live music outdoors.
Most are within short driving distance. All are either modestly priced or free.
Live on the Levee
Each summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Charleston's Haddad Riverfront Park hosts a free Friday-night concert series on the Schoenbaum stage featuring mostly homegrown talent -- typically, some of the best of the best local bands, with a few groups from outside Charleston thrown in.
During the past few seasons, the concert series has included some regional, national and international acts. Upcoming highlights include Grateful Dead tribute band The Dark Star Orchestra on July 13, rambunctious rockers Brownsville Station Aug. 3, and Ireland's Henry Girls Aug. 10.
Shows usually begin about 6:30 p.m. with an opening act.
For more information, visit www.liveontheleveecharleston.com or call 304-348-8014.
Pipestem Amphitheater
Pipestem State Park is a great weekend destination for fans of old time, oldies and beach music. Comfortably away from the highway, the park boasts beautiful woodland surroundings, which enhances the park's usually fun and laidback music fare.
Shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 1.
This season, among offerings almost every weekend, Pipestem welcomes Monroe County bluegrass band Hans Creek Grass on July 14, a farewell show for popular classic rock and beach music group The Collegians on July 21 and "golden oldies" band ('50s and '60s rock and R&B) The Emeralds on July 28 and Sept. 1.
Advance tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
Advance tickets the day of the show until 2 p.m. are $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
Day of the show tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger.
For more information, visit www.pipestemresort.com or call 304-466-1800.
Stonewall Resort Festival of Steel
Beginning at noon July 21, Stonewall Resort hosts an all-day showcase of steel drum and other live music at Roanoke Activity Plaza lawn, overlooking Stonewall Jackson Lake.
Bands appearing include Motown Steel, Kalabash, Mosaic Steel Orchestra and others.
Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No coolers. A $5 per person donation is requested. All proceeds will benefit the efforts of the Stonewall State Park Foundation to ensure the viability and future development of Stonewall Resort State Park.
For more information, visit www.stonewallresort.com or call 304-269-7400.
Live at The Harv
Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort offers a taste of big-city entertainment in a small-city setting. Right outside of Wheeling, in the town of Newell, Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort has several big-name performers coming to town, including actor and comedian Billy Gardell, star of the CBS comedy "Mike & Molly," on July 21, and the outspoken guitarist and "Motor City Madman" Ted Nugent, Aug. 10.
Tickets for both shows are based on seating. Section A, $60; Section B, $50; section C, $40; section D, $30; bleachers, $20.
For more information, visit www.moreatmountaineer.com or call 800-804-0468.
Heritage Port Amphitheater
While a lot of towns scramble for activities to bring people into the city for the weekend, Wheeling doesn't forget that people like to get out on weeknights too.
Tuesday nights, Port Heritage hosts Toe Tapping and Toe Tapping, Too. Toe Tapping is at Garden Park while Toe Tapping, Too is at the amphitheater.
On July 10, Toe Tapping has the country sounds of the Joseph Sisters. On July 24, it's classic favorites with Smokedaddy and the Crawfish.
On Aug. 3, Toe Tapping, Too at the Amphitheater presents steel drum music with Steel Cassa, it's rock and blues with the Sara Hays Band on Aug. 21.
Also, Wheeling has Waterfront Wednesdays, which brings out an eclectic collection of music. On July 11, check out the classic big-band sounds of Vince Villanova's Big Band. It's polka night with Chicago Tradition on Aug. 1. And on Aug. 15, Wheeling welcomes Pittsburgh's Dr. Zoot, "The doctors of swing."
Tuesday-night shows begin at 7 p.m.; Wednesday-night performances start at 7:30 p.m. All are free and open to the public.
Hazel Ruby McQuain Park
Managed by the Morgantown Board of Parks and Recreation, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park through Coca-Cola offers a summer entertainment series that includes family fun fests, movies and the occasional concert.
On July 17, it's salsa music with the James Moore Latin Quartet. The free show also features live salsa dancers led by dancer Gretchen Moore and pre-concert dance lessons.
For more information, visit www.boparc.org or call 304-296-8356.
Reach Bill Lynch at ly...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5195.
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