Contributed by Opelika Parks and Recreation
Opelika Parks and Recreation is bringing its two outdoor concert series back this summer. Summer Swing and Noon Tunes will begin the first week in May. Both of these outdoor concerts are free and open to the public.
Summer Swing takes place every Tuesday night at Monkey Park. The series kicked off on May 4 and will run through Aug. 3. Prior to each concert, Opelika’s miniature train, the Rocky Brook Rocket, will give free rides around the track beginning at 6:30 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m. and will last an hour.
This year’s concerts will feature a variety of musical acts including local favorites Route 66, Kidd Blue, Crossroads and Muse. The Elvis and Neil Diamond tribute artists are also voyaging to Opelika again this summer.
Outside food and beverages are allowed, but Laura Leigh Chesser, public relations coordinator for Opelika Parks and Recreation, suggests grabbing a hamburger or hotdog from the Opelika Band Boosters for dinner.
“The band boosters run our concession stand for us during the concerts, and their hotdogs are so good they have inadvertently been branded as ‘Summer Swing hotdogs’,” said Chesser. “I’ve seen people who have to miss a concert to attend a ballgame or some other obligation, but they still swing by the park to grab a hotdog when they’re on their way to where they’re going.”
Noon Tunes takes place every Wednesday in May at noon at Courthouse Square. Concert goers can pick up lunch from a downtown business or bring a picnic lunch of their own to enjoy at the square.
This year’s Noon Tunes series will feature The Wilson Bros, Larcus “Silky Tone” Fuller, Muse and Martha’s Trouble, ensuring a variety of music genres that are sure to please all ages.
Concert goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair to Summer Swing and Noon Tunes so they can kick back and relax while listening to music.
Both concert series would not be possible without Opelika Parks and Recreation’s partnerships with the Opelika Chamber, the OA News, the Opelika Observer, 97.7 Kicker FM and Fox Sports the Game 910-1310 AM.
For a full listing of each concert schedule please visit www.opelikaparks.com.