July on the Plateau arrives with long twilight evenings, cool breezes drifting through town, and the irresistible pull of live music echoing from Town Square and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine series continue their tradition of turning summer weekends into a celebration of sound, community, and shared joy.
Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
July 3 – Spare Parts Bluegrass Band (Town Square)
The month opens with Spare Parts Bluegrass Band, a seasoned Walhalla-based ensemble known for blending delicate harmonies with high energy barnburners. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they bring the kind of tight, traditional bluegrass that feels right at home in the mountains. Expect banjo-fiddle fireworks, warm vocals, and the kind of toe-tapping rhythms that define a Highlands summer evening.
Southside Station
July 4 – Southside Station (Founders Park)
Independence Day brings Southside Station, a dynamic five-piece with a genrespanning repertoire that moves effortlessly from rock and country to pop, dance, and Americana. Known for sharing stages with artists like ZZ Top and Sheryl Crow, they deliver high energy performances with rich harmonies and multi-instrumental flair. Their July 4 set promises a festive, dance-ready soundtrack for the holiday.
Blackwell Tradition II
July 10 – Blackwell Tradition II (Town Square)
Blackwell Tradition II has won a passionate following for its soulful blends of rock, R&B, and roots-driven performance energy. Expect a lively, heartfelt evening steeped in Southern musical tradition.
Blaze the City
July 11 – Blaze the City (Founders Park)
A seven-piece powerhouse, Blaze the City ignites every stage with powerful female vocals, rich harmonies, and genre-spanning musicianship. Their 200-song repertoire covers pop, funk, Motown, rock, and more – all delivered with the polish of a band that has performed for U.S. presidents and major national events.
Foxfire Boys
July 17 – Foxfire Boys (Town Square)
Formed in the early 1980s under the guidance of Appalachian music educator George Reynolds, the Foxfire Boys carry forward a legacy that has taken them from the Grand Ole Opry to international cultural festivals. Their sound is steeped in Appalachian heritage. It’s warm, authentic, and deeply rooted.
Moon Dance
July 18 – Moon Dance (Founders Park)
Moon Dance is a high-energy ensemble built for celebration – a polished group of allstar entertainers who move effortlessly from swing and jazz to disco, classic rock, and modern dance hits. Led by powerhouse vocalists Audrey and Kayla, the band is rounded out by some of Atlanta’s most seasoned professional musicians, giving them a remarkable range, tight harmonies, and a full, dynamic sound. Their expansive song list is designed to keep their audience on their feet, making them a favorite for festivals, galas, and outdoor concert series across the Southeast.
Byrds & Crows
July 24 – Byrds & Crows (Town Square)
This Western North Carolina acoustic ensemble blends folk, bluegrass, old-country influences, and heartfelt originals. Built around the family harmonies of Kenny, Sheila, and Will Byrd; joined by Andy Cole and Sage Hinkleman – the band offers timeless mountain music with a modern warmth.
Bourbon Sons
July 25 – Bourbon Sons (Founders Park)
Charlotte-based Bourbon Sons thrive in the sweet spot between country grit and Southern-rock swagger. Their music pairs livedin storytelling with big guitars and sharp hooks, shaped by years of touring and opening for major artists like Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn.
Nitrograss
July 31 – Nitrograss (Town Square)
Closing the month is Nitrograss, a highpowered bluegrass trio led by banjo virtuoso Charles Wood. Their sound – often described as “bluegrass on steroids” – blends dazzling musicianship with playful stage energy.
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