The Smithfield Summer Concert Series kicks off this Friday at 8 p.m. with the Williamsburg Swing Orchestra, a 16-piece band that plays all the best swing music from the height of the era that spanned the1930s and 1940s, plus many hits from today.
This summer’s concerts will be among the most varied in the 27 years of the summer series.
Performances will range from this week’s swing band to a “Pirate” theme concert designed for families. (Sponsors of the series decided not to schedule a performance for Friday, May 31 in deference to the annual Relay for Life event at Smithfield High School.)
The next concert June 7 features the Smithfield High School Band, which starts a bit earlier than usual at 7 p.m. because outdoor lighting for the large band is difficult to provide.
Other musicians include Forte, Bob Zentz, The Rhondells and more. The season winds down Aug. 30 with the Fort Lee Army Band.
The concerts are free and begin at 8 p.m. at The Smithfield Times gazebo stage on Main Street in downtown Smithfield. Bring a blanket or chair.
Following is the schedule for this year:
May 24: Williamsburg Swing Band
May 31: No concert due to Relay for Life
June 7: Smithfield High School Band
June 14: Forte June 21: Bob Zentz
June 28: The Rhondells
July 5: Peninsula Concert Band
July 21: Bobby Blackhat Band
July 19: Sisters Tellado
July 26: Higher Ground
Aug. 2: Histerically Correct Pirate Show
Aug. 9: Smithfield Little Theatre
Aug. 16: Navy Four Star Edition
Aug. 23: Hard Knox
Aug. 30: Fort Lee Army Band
