Groovin’ on the Green

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: May 2024

Now that we’re deep into what’s shaping up to be the Plateau’s busiest Busy Season, we’re all invited to enjoy the happy sounds of Groovin’ on the Green – a bangin’ summer-long jam that has visitors and locals swinging all season long to performances by some of the area’s most entertaining bands.

“We here at The Village Green love being able to offer free and fun family programming, that’s accessible to everyone in our community, and that can be enjoyed without having to drive down the mountain,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the Village Green’s executive director.

The season begins with a smoking performance by Darren Nicholson Band, starting 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 24.

Grammy nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry out of Nashville Tennessee, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing.

Next up, it’s Kevin Daniel & The Bottom Line on Friday, May 31. The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and his friends bring southern rock, gospel, and blues to the Plateau.

In the winter of 2013, during a dinner party in Brooklyn, Kevin received a phone call from his sister that would change everything. His mother and stepfather, adventure-seekers and amateur pilots, had been flying back from their mountain house in western North Carolina when their plane had crashed, killing both of them. Daniel’s life was turned upside down, his family torn apart and the world forever changed. During his return to North Carolina to help with family business, and while reliving his parent’s lives through photos, essays, and family stories, Kevin wrote over a dozen songs, all fueled by the grief of losing his parents as well as the celebration of the large lives they were known for. From those songs six were chosen to record, including one written specifically for Kevin’s parent’s memorial service. Southern sounds of banjo and country-loving three-part harmonies were backed by rock riffs and pop lyrics, which spoke true to life and the celebration of living. Kevin Daniel & The Bottom Line will bring that spirit of love and life to their Groovin’ performance.

To ensure that The Village Green can maintain the ability to provide free concerts for the community, the purchase of a 10×10 tent rental supports this cause. Tents are provided, set up by the Village Green, and will be ready for use at your time of arrival!

Upon arrival, please check-in with the Community Event Coordinator at The Village Green table to be sure you get to your correct tent.

Please bring your own chairs and tables.

You can find more information at villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.