Athens, Ga. – The 12th annual Sunflower Music Series, sponsored by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, gets underway June 12 with the first of four concerts to be held during the summer season.
Offering a variety of diverse music styles, each of the two-hour concerts begin at 7 p.m. on the stage of the Flower Garden, a terraced area between the Day Chapel and the Visitor Center and Conservatory.
Tickets are $15 each, $10 for Friends of the Garden members and $5 for children ages 6-12. Season tickets for all four concerts are $50, $35 for Friends and $15 for children ages 6-12. Admission to each concert includes beverages and light snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic dinners or purchase dinner from Donderos’ Kitchen. Lawn chairs are only allowed for those with physical limitations. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory.
The 2012 schedule is as follows:
June 12 – Randall Bramblett; Whisper Kiss opening
Known for his songwriting and musicianship, Bramblett (www.randallbramblett.com) will perform rock, blues and jazz.
July 10 – Romper Stompers; Danielle Howle opening
William Tonks, Danny Hutchens of Bloodkin, Jon Mills and Todd Nance of Widespread Panic will sing rock songs from children’s perspectives with a great sound that adults enjoy.
August 28 – Grogus
A crowd favorite, Grogus will play Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles and funk versions of jazz standards. They are past recipients of the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the Jazz and World Music categories.
September 25 – Arvin Scott Quartet
The Arvin Scott Jazz Quartet, featuring world-renowned percussionist Arvin Scott, will deliver an uplifting World Beat/Jazz performance.
For information on the concert series or to purchase tickets, call 706/542-1244. Tickets also may be purchased at the Garden Gift Shop or by calling Wuxtry Records at 706/369-9428.
William Tonks, director of facility and visitor services at the State Botanical Garden and an Athens musician, will discuss the series at the Friends First Friday meeting on June 1 from 9-10:30 a.m. Tickets are $12 or $10 for Friends members and include a made-from-scratch breakfast. For reservations, call 706/542-6138 by May 30.
The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, Flagpole and WUGA 91.7/97.9.
About the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
A unit of the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia provides the general public as well as UGA faculty, staff and students opportunities for recreation, events, research and learning through its natural areas, display gardens and building spaces.
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