Music Near the Gardens

The Summer Concert Series Moves to Duke University’s East Campus with Free Concerts Every Wednesday from May 28–June 25, 2025

Duke Arts is excited to announce Music Near the Gardens, a special edition of our long-running summer concert series, Music in the Gardens. While Sarah P. Duke Gardens undergoes renovations at the Doris Duke Center and the main entrance, this year’s five-concert series will move to Duke’s East Campus, offering an expanded capacity and walk-up format, free and open to all.

This season, Music Near the Gardens: The Pinhook Edition is curated by musician, activist, and The Pinhook owner Kym Register and hosted by local artist and performer Stormie Daie. The series celebrates The Pinhook’s legacy as a cornerstone of Durham’s music scene—a space that has nurtured the city’s creative community and championed marginalized voices in Durham for over 15 years.

Concerts will take place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday from May 28 through June 25 on the southeast corner of Duke University’s East Campus, behind the East Duke building, and will be broadcast live on WXDU. Each night will feature two live acts on East Campus, followed by an official free after-party concert at The Pinhook. The full lineup will be announced in late April.

June 4: Black Belt Eagle Scout & T. Gold

June 11: Meltdown Radio & Lavender Country Tribute ft. Adeem the Artist

June 18: Anjimile & Speed Stick

June 25: The Pinhook Reunion