SummerSwing Returns to Monkey Park

It’s Back, starting on ?Tuesday evening May 6th at the cities municiple park, aka Monkey Park. Then Every Tuesday night throughJuly 29 at 7:00 p.m. and it’s Free and open to the public.

The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with long, rich history gives complimentary rides from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Come out early! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. 

May 6: OHS Jazz Band and OHS Vibe
The Opelika High School Jazz Band and Vibe Rock Band will play a wide variety of music ranging from Funk, Latin, Jazz to Rock

May 13: Lee-Scott Academy
Jazz, Swing Rock, Ballads and more!

May 20: Dave Potts Band
Dave Potts is an acoustic singer/songwriter, performing a mix of his original music along with folk and country favorites. Dave’s music has been met with critical acclaim, including winning 1st Place in the Folk/Americana category at the International Acoustic Music Awards. He has released 14 albums of original music and performed in 43 states. Prominent internet retailer CD Baby made his CD ,$12.99, an Editor’s Pick and featured disc of the month upon its release. Their review raves, “His influences aren’t surprising (David Wilcox, James Taylor, John Denver) but there is a definite reach beyond genre here, even while his music fits comfortably both within folk and country. That reach is one of unhindered, inspired musicality embodied within music that feels like it was always yearning to be written.

May 27: Conner Lorre
Conner Lorre’s spectacular recreation of Neil Diamond’s voice has been receiving STANDING OVATIONS NATIONWIDE, including his show at CAESAR’S PALACE in LAS VEGAS. Conner delivers stunningly accurate voice impressions of Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Alan Jackson, Lee Greenwood, and many more. Conner is one of Opelika’s favorite entertainers. This show is guaranteed to captivate Opelika again this year. Keep up with Conner at www.ConnerLorre.com and www.facebook.com/TheVoxStar

June 3: GP-38
GP38 delivers Real Country Music along with a mix of southern & classic rock with an unmistakable Muscle Shoals, AL influence.  A driving, high energy show, led by Opelika, AL resident Chris McDaniel, that will have everyone singing along, dancing, and having a good time!

June 10: Route 66
This energetic group plays it all… Oldies, Pop, Rock and Dance music. Audience participation in encouraged. Join the “Monkey Park dancers” on the grass around the stage as they dance, blow bubbles and have a great time!

June 17: Muse
34th year on the Summer Swing bandstand! Easy listening, vocal oriented acoustic soft rock played as only Muse can.  Together for 46 years, Muse will perform fan favorites by artists such as the Eagles, Beatles, CSN, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell and more.

June 24: Fedoras
This acoustic duo plays folk, pop, and bluegrass tunes the whole family will enjoy.

July 1: Kidd Blue
Formed right on Toomer’s Corner in 1985 and led and inspired by the late great Opelika native, Robert Orr, Kidd Blue continues to bring their “New Old Soul” to parties and events throughout the Southeast.  For over 40 years this horn-driven group of local professionals has been delivering their eclectic mix of Soul, R&B, Motown, Rock Classics and Americana in the styles of Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, Al Green, Van Morrison and many others. Do not miss this rare opportunity to experience Kidd Blue in an outdoor public performance. Follow the band on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – @KiddBlueBand.

July 8: Martha’s Trouble
For over two decades, Martha’s Trouble, the folk-rock duo of Jen and Rob Slocumb, has crafted a career that resonates far beyond their roots. Since their 1998 debut, the husband-and-wife team has built a loyal fanbase with their signature blend of heartfelt songwriting, lush harmonies, and intimate performances. Their music has earned critical acclaim, international recognition, and placements in film, television, and commercials.

Relocating to Opelika, Alabama, Jen and Rob transformed their passion for music into a hub for the arts by founding The Sound Wall in 2017 — a studio, performance space, and creative community center. In 2019, they founded the Opelika Songwriters Festival, which they co-produce with Russell Carter of Russell Carter Artist Management (RCAM). The festival has become a celebrated annual event, bringing world-class talent and unforgettable performances to the Opelika-Auburn community.

Through their work with The Sound Wall Music Initiative, Jen and Rob continue to inspire and nurture artists, creating opportunities for connection and creativity.

Martha’s Trouble remains an enduring fixture in the independent music scene, known not only for their timeless sound but also for their deep commitment to community and the arts.

 July 15: James Brown Trio
The James Brown Trio is a Southern Gospel group that will have your toes tapping and heart stirring to songs from the past as well as current tunes that are soon to be classics. The namesake (James Brown) started the group 24 years ago with Charles Story and Adam Traylor but since the deaths of James and Charles respectively, the trio has continued the tradition of good ole Southern Gospel music with new members. Today the trio consists of Adam & Teel Traylor as well as Kevin Webb from Auburn, AL. You will not want to miss this group’s harmonious sounds beneath the beautiful summer night sky.

July 22: Crossroads
Crossroads is a six-piece variety band that covers many country and classic rock hits. The band performs selections from artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Sugaland, REM and The Eagles, as well as Taylor Swift, The Beatles and Chris Stapleton. Crossroads produces smooth vocal harmonies and provides audiences with a unique, varied and entertaining experience. More info can be found at facebook.com/auburncrossroadsband.

July 29: Back to School Bash
Enjoy a final concert as we bid summer farewell!

Event has several community sponsors: The Opelika Chamber of Commerce, The Opelika Observer, WKKR 97.7, MIX 96.7 and FOX SPORTS THE GAME 910-1310 AM.

Author: Jerry Katz

Jerry Katz is the creator of Opelika Daily News. A former broadcaster, he has been writing about Opelika for more than twenty years — first as a blogger, now as the one-person newsroom behind this site. He curates the region's local news daily, writes the Katz Ramblings column and the weekly From the Archives look-back, and maintains an archive of more than 3,200 posts reaching back to 2002. He lives in Opelika. Reach him at jerry@opelikadailynews.com.

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