Solid lineup for Music in the Park
By submitted, 06/6/24 3:57 PM
WASHINGTON — Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating Washington for 200 Years”. Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn.
The community of Washington, Arkansas was founded in 1824 and is celebrating its 200th birthday this year. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and the gift shop will be open for refreshments until 8:30 p.m.
Concert Lineup:
June 15 – Runaway Planet
Runaway Planet is a Little Rock bluegrass band founded in 2001. The band evolved out of a longtime friendship between members and a passion for traditional string band music. Their music is a mix of hard driving bluegrass, three-part harmonies, complex arrangements, and original songs. Learn more at https://runawayplanet.net/.
July 20 – Hempstead County Melody Boys and Washington Music Competition
Hempstead County Melody Boys is a local bluegrass band that has strong connections with Historic Washington State Park. They have a long history with Hempstead County and have performed at various park events for over 30 years.
In addition, we will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work with some aspect of Washington, Arkansas and its 200 year history as the topic. Area judges will award prizes at the end of the evening for 1st place–$500, 2nd place– $300, and 3rd place — $200. Applications for the contest can be received by calling the Park Visitor Center at 870-983-2684. Applications to perform must be postmarked by July 3, 2024. Learn more and apply for the music contest at https://bit.ly/HWSPMusicinthePark2024.
August 17 – Bobby Horton
Bobby Horton is one of the moral popular names in 19th century era music. He has produced over ten different albums showcasing songs of soldiers from both the North and South during the Civil War along with songs of Stephen Foster and hymns of the 19th century. He has been involved in performing for musical scores for many of Ken Burn’s PBS documentaries including: The Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, and National Parks. He also has worked on musical scores for A&E Network and twenty-one films for the National Park Service. Learn more at https://bobbyhorton.com/.
Event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Lagrone Williams Hardware, McDonalds of Hope, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Washington Grace Cottage, Historic Washington Foundation, and Historic Washington State Park.
