Music in the Garden kicks off Boxerwood’s 25th year

Boxerwood's Music in the Garden outdoor concert series returns for its 12th season on Friday, May 30, kicking off a special "Summer of Stories" to commemorate Boxerwood's 25th anniversary as a nonprofit.

Eight family-friendly shows are scheduled from May to September, and the series showcases local musicians performing in a variety of genres and styles. As part of Boxerwood’s anniversary celebrations, this season will also include a special feature during each show’s intermission: stories from the stage recounting Boxerwood’s journey from a private garden to a community organization that connects people from all walks of life to the Earth and its care.

Music starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm, as the sun goes down. The gate opens at 5:30pm so that early arrivers can meet up with friends to picnic, socialize, and explore the woodland garden.

Admission to each concert is free for current Boxerwood Garden members, or $5 per adult for non-members. Kids (under age 18) and parking are free. Well-behaved leashed pets are also welcome.

"We're thrilled to be celebrating our 25th anniversary as a nonprofit with this special 'Summer of Stories' edition of Music in the Garden," says concert organizer and Boxerwood board president Blake Shester. "Last year's concert series was our most successful yet, and we're excited to add this storytelling element that honors Boxerwood's rich history and the community that has supported us for a quarter century."

This year's lineup features an exciting mix of returning favorites and new local talent. Opening the season on May 30 will be the Shester, Datz, and Newhall bluegrass trio. The summer’s storytelling season commences that evening with a lively interview with Karen “KB” Bailey, one of the three founders of Boxerwood Education Association (BEA), and its first Garden Steward. A community treasure in her own right, this longtime Rockbridge resident will recount stories of the garden’s early years as it transitioned from private ownership to a beloved nonprofit gathering place for recreation, learning, and delight.

"This milestone anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase how Boxerwood has grown and evolved over 25 years while staying true to our Earth care mission," notes Executive Director, Emily Kohl. "The 'Summer of Stories' theme lets us celebrate not just the natural beauty of Boxerwood, but the human connections that have made this special organization thrive."

Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs or blankets – and children. The GloBowl food truck will be parked in the field at all performances. "Boxerwood promotes zero waste," reminds Emily, "so please be mindful and pack out your trash."

Other bands slated for the season are Hoss & Soss (June 13), The Caravan of Fools (June 27), The Late Night Stumblers (July 18), Fatty Lumpkin and the Love Hogs (July 25), Honest Labor (August 8), The Ruckus (August 22), and Betty and the Hot Flashes (Sept. 5). In the event of rain, concerts will be canceled and rescheduled.

For more information, including "iffy" weather updates, visit Boxerwood on Facebook, www.boxerwood.org, or call 540-463-2697.

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