Athens, Ga. -The State Botanical Garden of Georgia announces its 10th annual Sunflower Music Series. Each concert will be performed 7-9 p.m. on the stage of the new Flower Garden, a terraced garden between the Day Chapel and the Visitor Center and Conservatory. The botanical garden is located at 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens.
Performing this year are:
June 22: Randall Bramblett, with Rick Fowler opening.
Randall Bramblett is a singer-songwriter who recently released his seventh solo album and has performed with the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic. “He’s one of Georgia’s musical treasures. . . Guaranteed to improve your day,” said Dave Schools of Widespread Panic.
July 13: Bloodkin, with Winfield Smith (from Stewart and Winfield) opening.
A rock ‘n’ roll band formed in 1986, the Drive-By Truckers and Widespread Panic have both cited Bloodkin as a chief influence. Bloodkin released its eighth album in 2009 and it was named album of the year at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards. “Bloodkin are at a hot peak in their odyssey,” said David Fricke of Rolling Stone.
August 24: Grogus, performing two sets
A crowd favorite from the 2009 Sunflower Music Series, Grogus plays Latin jazz, traditional Cuban and Caribbean styles, and funk versions of jazz standards. They have won the Flagpole Athens Music Award in both the jazz and world music categories.
Tickets are $15 each ($10 for members of Friends of the Garden, $5 for children ages 6-12). Each concert includes beverages and light snacks, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and picnic suppers to enjoy in the garden. Concerts will be held inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory if weather necessitates.Lawn chairs are not allowed. Call 706/542-1244 for more information or tickets.
The Sunflower Music Series is sponsored by Friends of the Garden, R.E.M., Northeast Sales Distributing, Inc., Athens Coca-Cola, Musicians Warehouse, WUGA 91.7 FM, Flagpole and AthensMusic.net.
For more information on the botanical garden, see www.uga.edu/botgarden.
