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When George W. Vanderbilt built his 250-room French Renaissance chateau overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, he may not have imagined it as a location for outdoor concerts. More than one hundred years later, however, the South Terrace outside Biltmore House provides a spectacular setting for modern-day guests to enjoy Biltmore Estate's Summer Evening Concerts. Held each weekend in August, this truly unique stage is set for stellar performances by nationally known artists encompassing 70 years of musical styles. From pop to rock, Sinatra to Benny Goodman, beach tunes to country - Summer Evening Concerts offer music for a wide variety of tastes. The line-up for this summer's concert series is as follows: August 3 - David Clayton Thomas with Blood, Sweat and Tears. This fusion of blues and rock was unique in the 1960s and 1970s, when songs like "Spinning Wheel," "And When I Die," and "You've Made Me So Very Happy" earned gold records and Grammy Awards. Decades later, the combination of jazz, rock, blues, and classics, accompanied by the emotional vocals of David Clayton Thomas, still sounds fresh. Tickets are $32. August 4 - Beach Night with Gary Puckett, The Platters and The Tams. Slip on those penny loafers and be young, foolish and happy during this ode to dancing the night away. Sixties artists Gary Puckett lends his powerful voice to hits including "This Girl is a Woman Now" and "Young Girl." Next up are the smooth harmonies of The Platters, one of the first "doo-wop" groups inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hit the dance floor for favorites like "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." Then, welcome The Tams - one of the first rhythm and blues super groups - and their hits "What Kind of Fool," "I've Been Hurt," "This Precious Moment," and, of course, "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy." Tickets are $25. August 10 - A Salute to the Music of Frank Sinatra by Harry Connick, Sr. After one song, you'll discover where his famous son gets that vocal talent. Harry Connick, Sr. pays tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes with heartfelt renditions of finger snapping, toe-tapping standards including "Fly Me to the Moon," "Night and Day," "New York, New York," and "All of Me." Connick belts out these favorites accompanied by one of the country's top big bands, perfect for dancing under the stars. Tickets are $25.
August 17 - Shawn Colvin, Solo Acoustic. Just a singer and her guitar - but what a powerful combination. A Grammy-winning singer/songwriter who built a devoted following on the folk circuit, Colvin gained widespread fame with her hit "Sunny Came Home" and CD, A Few Small Repairs. Tickets are $27. August 18 - An Evening with Travis Tritt. Put on your cowboy boots and get ready to party when Travis Tritt comes to town. Honky-tonk, country rock, just plain good music - whatever you call it, nobody does it better than this Grammy winner. One of country music's most recognizable voices, Tritt puts on a show with songs ranging from tough to tender, ballads to blow-outs. Tickets are $45. August 24 - An Evening with Dionne Warwick. One of contemporary music's most enduring superstars, this legendary performer has garnered 55 hit singles during her career. In the 1960s, she struck gold with "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "This Girls' in Love with You," and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." Bridging soul, pop, gospel, and R&B, Warwick's skills as a peerless interpreter of lyrics resulted in more gold records in the 1970s and 1980s. Tickets are $45. August 25 - An Evening with Lee Ann Womack. Nominated as "Female Vocalist of the Year" by almost every country award organization, and named 1998's "Favorite New Country Artist" by the American Music Awards, Womack has quickly connected with music lovers. Since her 1997 debut, she has blended progressive and traditional country music into a remarkably personal approach. Hit songs include "The Fool," "A Little Past Little Rock," "Ashes by Now," and "I Hope You Dance." Tickets are $35.
September 1 - An Evening with America. One of the most influential groups of the 1970s, America helped define the category of pop-rock. Rich harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating melodies are hallmarks of the group led by its founders Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Hits include "Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway," "A Horse with No Name," and "You Can Do Magic." Tickets are $32. Reservations for Summer Evening Concerts, dinner and Biltmore Inn accommodations can be made by calling 800-543-2961. Tickets are also available online at www.biltmore.com/summerconcert.html. Concert attendees will be admitted onto Biltmore Estate beginning at 5PM. Festival seating for the concerts will begin at 7PM. Concert tickets do not include a visit to Biltmore House, which closes at 6PM. Concerts are held rain or shine; no umbrellas.
(all pictures provided by Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC)
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August 11 - An Evening with Bruce Hornsby. Beginning with his triple-platinum debut album, this talented singer, pianist, songwriter, and bandleader has expanded his musical boundaries for 15 years. Progressing from early success with "The Way It Is," "Every Little Kiss," and "The Valley Road," he has crafted increasingly complex and eclectic records. Hornsby has also honed his skills touring with the Grateful Dead, and collaborating with artists including Bela Fleck, Stevie Nicks, Leon Russell, and Clint Black. His musical genius combined with Biltmore's incomparable setting makes this show a must-see event. Tickets are $40.
August 31 - The American Swing Orchestra with a Salute to Benny Goodman. Directed by Clem De Rosa, who brings decades of big bank experience with his baton, this show will have you swinging and swaying from the first note. Faithfully re-creating the music popularized by Benny Goodman in the 1930s and 1940s, the American Swing Orchestra plays jazz-flavored favorites including "Don't Be That Way" and "Jersey Bounce." Tickets are $25.