Sounds of the season: Wichita’s many summer concert series are back
Summer nights with music, cold beverages and an eclectic variety of music are a longstanding tradition in Wichita and the surrounding areas, and people always look forward to summer music concert series put on at places like Bradley Fair and Botanica.
Now, summer concert season is just around the corner in Wichita and south central Kansas. Here’s a look at the outdoor music that awaits:
BRADLEY FAIR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
All five Thursdays in June are booked for the concerts in the 23rd year of the series. Performances are from 7:30-9:30 p.m., with kid-friendly pre-show activities from 6 to 7 p.m. They happen at the shopping center at 2000 N. Rock Road, and people can bring blankets and lawn chairs and set up along the grassy area that surrounds Bradley Fair Lake. They also can set up lawn chairs at 5 p.m. the day of the concert on the plaza near the fountain. The final concert will be capped by a fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit bradleyfair.com/event/summer-concert-series-2023/
Featured this year:
June 1: Rudy Love Jr. (R&B, soul, funk, jazz)
June 8: Daydream (funk/fusion)
June 15: Music Theatre Wichita: “Broadway Unplugged”
June 22: Josué Estrada Band (funk/soul/jazz)
June 29: Low Pressure System (rock/alternative, indie)
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
The KEYN Summer Concert Series moves to the Capitol Federal Amphitheatre at 1607 E. Central Ave. in Andover for four straight Fridays, from 8-10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and food and beverages will be available for sale. Admission is free.
Included this year:
June 16: Llew Brown Band (rock, country, pop covers)
June 23: Across the Pond (’60s, ’70s and British artists)
June 30: Annie Up (covers from pop to country)
July 7: Lucky People (pop songs from the ’80s to now)
SUMMER MUSIC NIGHTS
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston began its Summer Music Nights on Thursday, and two more concerts are coming up in June. They happen from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Food will be available in the visitor center from 6 to 7 p.m., and music will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The arboretum is at 177 W. Hickory St. in Hesston.
June 8: Wichita Chorus Sweet Adelines (barbershop harmonies)
June 22: Sometimes on Sunday (roots rock/originals)
TREEHOUSE CONCERTS SERIES
Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine continues its Sunday concerts through the summer and fall. Admission is $15 at the gate, and the music starts at 4 p.m. Attendees are free to pack picnics and explore the grounds when they arrive. Gates open at 3 p.m. The arboretum is at 301 N. Line St. in Belle Plaine.
June 4: Logan Mize (country singer/songwriter)
June 11: Robbie Fulks Band (alternative country)
June 18: Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations (Americana)
June 25: Brave Combo (polka/rock)
July 16: Mary Gauthier with Jaimee Harris (folk/country/Americana)
Sept. 10: Driven (acoustic pickers)
Sept. 24: Kelly Willis Band (country/Americana)
TWILIGHT TUNES ON THE TERRACE
Botanica at 701 Amidon continues its concert series, which happens from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month. Admission is $10 for Botanica members, $6 for premier members and $12 for nonmembers, and all tickets must be pre-purchased at botanica.org. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., when cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale. Molinio’s Mexican Cuisine will sell dinner on-site. People can pack picnics, but no outside alcohol is allowed.
June 27: Llew Brown Band (rock, country, pop covers)
July 25: The Echos (‘80s music)
Aug. 22: Jared Brown and the Dirt Road Misfits (country, blues, classic rock)
Sept. 25: Lucky People (pop songs from the ‘80s until now)
FR3EDM MUSIC LAST FRIDAY
The final Friday of each month through September, Naftzger Park at 601 E. Douglas hosts FR3EDM Music, with live performances by up-and-coming artists. Concerts are from 7 to 10 p.m.
Friday
June 30
July 28
Aug. 25
Sept. 29
