The Red and Black

Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: JOHN WEATHERFORD The Sunflower Series, a summer concert series hosted by the State Botanical Gardens, will open with The Modern Skirts on June 23. [Click to enlarge]

Some of the most beloved aspects of summertime are music, the outdoors and friends. For the next three months, the State Botanical Gardens plans to combine these three essential parts to create a concert series that celebrates summer.

The Modern Skirts will open the series June 23.

Aptly named the Sunflower Series, the concerts were dreamed up by William Tonks, Director of Facilities for the Botanical Gardens, nine years ago.

"I was standing at the 40 Watt watching a band. I just thought, 'You know I've never seen any of these people out at the Garden,'" said Tonks. "All the people I see at the Garden, I don't see at 40 Watt; we need to lure them."

An easy way to lure is surely with music set among flowers at sunset.

The Sunflower Series will take place in the newest addition to the Gardens, the New Flower Garden. Half amphitheater, half nature conservatory it is filled with wildflowers and natural grasses. Baby apple, pear and cherry blossom trees decorate the green slope leading to a half circle stage backed with regal columns.

"The thing to remember is that in five years, it will look entirely different. The gardens are different every time you come," said Connie Cottingham, coordinator of Public Relations and Special Events at the Gardens.

"This is the first year we are moving to the flower garden stage. It's taking shape so quickly. We have terraced lawns where you can spread out and bring picnics and drinks. It's a great place for families, kids, friends."

The Sunflower Series has been attracting locals for nine years and seems as though it will continue growing alongside its namesake plants.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools