Every Friday, we highlight three great shows from local performing artists that you can see this coming weekend.

 

Fridays On The Front Porch: Big Fat Gap
Friday, June 20th at 5PM at The Carolina Inn

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For more than a decade, the Carolina Inn has been hosting the unofficial kickoff to Chapel Hill’s weekend. Fridays on the Front Porch is a weekly affair that takes full advantage of the warm months, along with the Inn’s lush lawn and delicious food and drink offerings. As the work week comes to a close, the crowds gather to hear a different local bluegrass band play into the evening hours.

This week, the pickers in question are Chapel Hill fixture Big Fat Gap. This six-piece “back-porch-style” outfit comes to the front porch for a laid-back jamboree. And don’t worry if you miss them this week – they’ll be back a few times this summer. You can also return every Friday night for new music, good company, and that flawless Carolina summer weather.

 

SummerFest Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 21st at 2PM at 140 West Franklin Plaza

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The town has found a gem in 140 West Franklin Plaza, the open-air performance space off of its busiest byway. But it’s also done a bang-up job finding great local performers to fill it all Spring long. With the official start of Summer this Saturday, the plaza hosts a seasonal celebration that brings together a range of different performers and activities for an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment.

The performances run the gamut of summer fun: from the throwback girl-group soul of Lo K Shun (great for shag dancing!) to the exuberant children’s songs of The Waterlillies, to the improvised hilarity of DSI Comedy. In between the action, there’ll be arts and crafts, magic, and even ice cream. And WCHL’s own Aaron Keck will be the master of ceremonies, so we have a rooting interest. It adds up to a perfect kickoff to the hot months, and a perfect summing-up of a Spring full of homegrown music. Here’s hoping it becomes a new tradition!

 

Music On The Green: Idlewild South
Sunday, June 22nd at 6PM at Southern Village

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The Allman Brothers Band plays Southern Village Sunday Night!

Kidding, of course. They could probably fill a slightly larger venue. But what you’ll hear on Sunday will sure sound like the genuine article. It’s local tribute band Idlewild South, who play the music of their favorite group with loving care. With the Southern Rock icons finally closing up shop after 45 years of albums and touring, they leave hours of blues-tinged jams to choose from. If you’re a fan of the originals, see Idlewild South bring them to life onstage; if you don’t know the Brothers, maybe this concert will be your introduction. Either way, it’ll be an evening of iconic rock ‘n roll in the great outdoors.

 

For more on these and other great activities, visit our full event calendar, or click here to sign up for our newsletter and get “Ten Things To Do In Chapelboro This Weekend” delivered every Thursday to your email inbox.