July’s Groovin’

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: July 2024 | Photograph By: Heritage Productions

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.

For this month, Groovin’ is hosting The Wobblers on July 19. Sponsored by Premier Sponsor Landmark Realty Group.

The Wobblers are a South Carolina, eight-piece, genre-defying roots band pulling from New Orleans rhythms, and including elements of Memphis Soul, Chicago Blues, with heavy Hammond organ and brassy horns.

The band includes a four-piece horn section, piano, organ, guitar, bass and drums, and plays about half original music, and half eclectic soul infused rearranged covers – the song list is…long, very long.

The song list has continued to change over the years, with the spawning of new songs written by various members of the band. The theme usually goes back to a New Orleans soul sound with the brassy horns and second line rhythms played by Patrick Riley on the drums, with edgy, jazz elements mixed in that evoke the likes of Rhassan Roland Kirk, Sun Ra, and Thelonious Monk.

At other times the Wobblers sound will call to mind the sound of the Kinks, The Band, Dr. Dog, Elvis Costello, and NRBQ.

The Wobblers change the atmosphere wherever they play. The band takes you on a genre trip around the spectrum while always delivering a high energy professional show. Seeing the Wobblers live, gives the audience the feeling that they’re at the best party to be at that night.

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 and to be sure you get to your correct tent.

Please bring your own chairs and tables.

Rain or shine, the concerts kick off at 6:00 P.M. on The Village Green Commons Lawn,” says Mitchell. “Grab your lawn chairs and blankets, pack your picnic baskets and coolers, and four-legged friends are welcome to join in on the fun – as long as they remained leashed!”