The City of Greenville has a strong lineup of acts ready for the 40^th Anniversary Series of Sunday in the Park. From the blues to bluegrass, country to classical, soul to steel drums, this year’s concert series has something for everyone!

Greenville’s summertime Sunday tradition starts in June and continues to mid-August. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater on the Town Common, 100 East First Street.

June 2-   TAR RIVER COMMUNITY BAND  - This popular wind ensemble is made up of volunteer musicians whose love of music and the excellence at which they perform make them a great choice to initiate the concert season. They play a wonderful mixture of classical and popular music the entire family can enjoy.

June 9- THE EMERALD CITY BIG BAND  - Big band music has made a remarkable comeback during the past several years. You could say that it never really went away, and we are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group of musicians who play swing music to such perfection.

June 16- THE PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA  - This splendid ensemble is making its Sunday in the Park debut. Now in its fourth season, it has an outstanding new conductor, Michael Stephenson. The orchestra is made up of more than 60 excellent musicians and is a collaborative effort between PCC and the community. This concert is not to be missed.

June 23- THE NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ AND BLUES COLLABORATIVE  - Also making its Sunday in the Park debut, this incredibly versatile group of musicians rivals any jazz or blues ensemble in the country. They perform every year aboard the Belle of Washington, a showboat docked on the waterfront in Washington, NC, and their performances are hugely popular. If you love to dance, you are invited to come down to the front of the stage and strut your stuff.

June 30- THE MONITORS  -This venerable ensemble was created more than 50 years ago. It now consists of one of the original members and great musicians that have been added throughout the years. They play everything from early jazz to rhythm and blues and everything in between. At the end of the concert, they invite folks to come down and dance the Electric Slide. It is a beautiful sight.

July 7- THE SUPERGRIT COWBOY BAND  -No summer concert series would be complete without a return performance of one of the best exponents of Country and Western music in the nation. They are without a doubt one of the all-time favorites of Sunday in the Park.

July 14- PANYELO  - If you love Caribbean music, you will be blown away by one of the finest steel drum ensembles anywhere. The band has become an all-time favorite with Sunday in the Park audiences, and is famous for its conga line that seems to get bigger every year. Come be part of the line.

July 21- DAVID DYER AND THE CROOKED SMILE BAND  - Back by popular demand, this marvelous ensemble has become over the years one of North Carolina’s most entertaining bands. They play an exciting combination of David Dyer’s original music along with Roots Rock, Americana, Alternate Country and Country Rock. The band’s CD “Crossroads Grocery” has been acclaimed internationally.

July 28- GREENVILLE GRASS  - After a fine debut last summer, this fine ensemble is returning to Sunday in the Park for what promises to be another wonderful performance. Made up of veterans who have been playing bluegrass for many years, they offer an entertaining mixture of the old and the new by combining a lively collection of traditional favorites with songs from other types of music such as folk and rock “n” roll, all done in bluegrass style. If you love bluegrass this is a concert not to be missed.

August 4 -SPARE CHANGE   - The Greenville Recreation and Parks Department is proud to announce the debut of another of the southlands’ most sought-after bands. Spare Change plays everything from Rock to Country and from Beach to Funk. With their use of unique instruments, they will definitely present a concert both refreshing and exciting. Don’t miss it!

August 11- THE DONALD UNDERWOOD THOMPSON BAND  - The only way to describe this group is that they are fantastically entertaining. They play rousing versions of vintage rhythm and blues and classic rock. The band’s colorful attire harkens back to the cool threads of the 40’s and 50’s. The band has become a great favorite with Sunday in the Park patrons.

August 18- MOLASSES CREEK  - This wonderful group of musicians has been, for many years, one of the most revered attractions at Sunday in the Park. Hailing from Ocracoke where they play concerts throughout the year, they perform a combination of folk music, bluegrass, and their own unforgettable original compositions. It’s a great way to close out the season.

This year’s concert series is put on by the City of Greenville and is also sponsored by Phelps Chevrolet, Dixon Foods (McDonald’s), Sheetz, One Source Communications, Physicians East, 107.9 and 1070 WNCT, the Greenville Times, and East Carolina Veterinary Service.

### COG ###