Once again, it’s that time of year when we get the long-awaited answer to “Who’s coming to the amphitheater in Fayetteville this year?” The Villages Amphitheater is excited now to bring you the lineup for 2012 Summer Concert Series. This year continues the Villages long-standing tradition of bringing great entertainers at an affordable price, at the most comfortable outdoor venue in the region.
Kicking off the season on June 9 is country outlaw, Travis Tritt. This Georgia boy became one of the leading country music singers beginning in the 90’s, and quickly developed a gutsy image with a rock and roll influence that distinguished him from the rest of his peers. Throughout the early ’90s, he had a string of platinum albums and Top Ten singles. Tritt will be singing those greatest hits including, “Help Me Hold On,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Can I Trust You With My Heart.”
On June 30, The Villages welcomes 60’s pop group The 5th Dimension. This highly acclaimed, vocal five-piece has received 14 gold records, six platinum records and seven Grammy Awards. The current lineup of the group has put together a show and sound with more vocal range than ever and material that is fresh and varied, but also remains true to the sound of The 5th Dimension’s original recordings. Some of the great songs from those classic records include “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In,” and “Wedding Bell Blues.” Also that night, opening for The 5th Dimension will be another favorite vocal group that Villages patrons request every year, “The Sock Hops.”
On July 21, The Kingston Trio brings an evening of acoustic air to the Villages stage. With two Grammy awards and numerous gold records, they revolutionized popular music and reawakened America to its own rich, folk music heritage. The release of “Tom Dooley” in October of 1958 began the “folk music revival” and set the stage for Dylan, Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary and the entire protest movement of the 60’s. The Kingston Trio was the number one vocal group in the world; a musical and cultural phenomenon whose record sales and concert draws were matched only by The Beatles. Some of their greatest hits include: “Tom Dooley,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” and “Greenback Dollar.”
July 28 will be a special evening with a legendary performance from the classic British group, The Zombies. Led by Rod Argent on piano and Colin Blunstone on vocals, the band scored US hits in the mid- and late-1960s with “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.” Their 1968 album “Odessey and Oracle” is ranked #80 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. After The Zombies disbanded in 1968, Rod Argent went on to form the eponymously named band Argent, who had further success in the United States during the 1970s with the rock anthems “Hold Your Head Up” and “God Gave Rock & Roll to You.”
Finishing out the series is the classic pop/rock group that emerged from the west-coast music scene of the late 60’s, The Grass Roots. On August 18, they will treat fans to a staple of hit songs that are some of the most recognized on “Classic Rock” stations. During their heyday, The Grass Roots charted 29 singles; 13 of which went gold, followed by twp gold albums and one platinum album. They will be performing such classics as “Live for Today,” “Sooner or Later,” and “Midnight Confessions.”
Again this year at the Villages, ticket prices are being kept as low as possible to hopefully allow everybody an opportunity to attend. Series tickets now start at just $80(+ tax) for general admission lawn seats and only $120(+ tax) for reserved seats. The new, wider seating arrangement implemented last year was a huge success as well, and patrons can look forward again to enjoying their evening with the most spacious seating and leg room not found at any other venue in the region.
Brian Wismer, amphitheater manager and Main Street director for the City of Fayetteville, elaborates. “The changes we put into action last year received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. This is consistent with our goal for this venue. We want to be a cool place that provides a wonderful outlet for Fayetteville residents to have fun with friends and music. We are one of the most affordable, most comfortable concert venues in the region, and it’s all right here in Fayetteville.”
Series ticket renewals are currently in progress. New series tickets will be available to the general public next week beginning March 12.
Tickets to individual concerts will go on sale April 4 and range from $15 – $50. Tables for eight are available in the Orchestra pit, and special tables are sold in the boxes of the tiered section.
Tickets to all shows will be sold via the website at VillagesAmphitheater.com. and at the Historic Train Depot in Downtown Fayetteville. For sponsorships and other info, please call 770-719-4173.
The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.
