There’s a new outdoor concert series in town.
James City County’s inaugural Fourth Fridays summer concerts will bring live music to Jamestown Beach Event Park on the fourth Friday of each month, from June 24 to Aug. 26. Performers include American Idol contestants Joey Cook and Rayvon Owen, as well as Richmond-based band Harley Boone.
The concert series is part of the county’s initiative to develop “fun, exciting events” meant for both residents and visitors, said Laura Messer, tourism events coordinator for the county.
“If people are coming into town,” Messer said, “this provides sort of a great fun activity for them that’s family friendly.”
Fourth Fridays marks the first concert series in the event park, though last November, the park held a concert as part of Williamsburg Harvest Celebration’s Bountiful Brews and Bites event.
The goal with the lineup, Messer said, was a different genre each night.
The series kicks off June 24 with a pop concert, featuring pop/soul singer Rayvon Owen and quirky indie artist Joey Cook with her band, the Partyraddlers. Both contestants in Season 14 of American Idol, Owen placed fourth and Cook seventh. And, both are Virginia natives.
“They’re sort of hometown shows for them, which is cool,” Messer said.
The July concert follows a country rock theme, with Harley Boone. The six-piece band from Richmond plays a mix of country, bluegrass and rock.
Messer said the last concert will have a reggae theme, with the performer announced soon.
“This is hopefully the beginning of a great future of music in James City County,” Messer said.
Audiences should bring blankets and chairs, as the concerts will take place in a large field at the park. Food and alcohol will be available for purchase. Guests can bring their own picnics – however, no alcohol nor large, plastic coolers are permitted.
All proceeds from beer sales benefit United Way of Greater Williamsburg’s Home for Good program, a permanent housing program for homeless families in the community.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Want to go?
June 24: Rayvon Owen and Joey Cook
July 22: Harley Boone
Aug. 26: TBA
Time: Doors at 5 p.m., music from 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: 2205 Jamestown Road
Admission: $20 per car (cash or check)