Durham residents invited next door to live concerts

Are you going to Roseneath Agricultural Fall Fairgrounds?

For that is where all the live music action has been taking place since the beginning of July — and will continue until Sunday, September 5th. There’s still plenty of phenomenal music to enjoy as well as an Elvis Presley impersonation contest to take part in.

“There are ONLY 20 shows left, then summer will be over,” says host Ida Brown of the Keene Centre for the Arts.

Whether you’re a classics, country, folk or rock fan, a blues lover or an Elton John, The Beatles or Elvis addict – there is something for everyone to enjoy. For the family there is music, food and a kiddie playground. For couples, The Reverend can even renew your vows for a fee after the show.

Ida says the vibe has been so fun, the grounds are so beautiful and the music so absolutely incredible that you really should come out.

Blues, Folk and Gospel band Durham County Poets will be playing on Thursday August 12.

Darren Brown Tribute to John Denver, Glen Campbell and Garth Brooks on Saturday September 4.

Being held northeast of Durham near the scenic Rice Lake, this is one of the few opportunities for Durham residents to get out, mix with others and have fun – as they used to every summer. “Keeping Covid-19 in mind, we do have socially-distanced picnic tables,” Ida points out.

She says the list of musicians still to play is long. “These are incredible artists who usually play in large stadiums. They called me during covid lockdown, and I thought I’d give them a stage and keep the art and tradition alive in these difficult times.

“These are the shows I collected during covid lockdowns, and they are not just kinda good – they are really, really good,” says Ida.

She, however, cautions interested guests to “please make a reservation as we’d like to know how many are coming so we know how much food to buy. I promise it’s totally worth it”.

Tickets: $25 rain or shine.

To Book: Four ways to get your tickets.