Open Air, a family ”concert on the green” series featuring music, storytellering, puppetry and magic comes each summer to the Norwich Gardens Amphitheater at the Upper Valley Events Center in Norwich, Vermont.

On selected Thursday evenings in July and August each summer you can expect to have a magical community experience. Imagine yourself relaxing with friends and family on a blanket as the setting sun paints the evening sky. Your picnic basket is brimming with delight, and the performance is about to begin. This is Open Air.

2008 Line Up Upper Valley Presents, Inc announces its 2008 Open Air Summer Family Concerts in the Norwich Gardens Amphitheater at the Upper Valley Events Center in Norwich, VT. This summer’s line up features folk, country, rock, pop and Jazz music and magic and storytelling. Imagine gathering your friends, neighbors and family around you, nestled on a blanket on the grass under the evening sky with your picnic spread before you. The performer is just yards away. The sun sets through the forested backdrop, setting the stage for a magical community experience. Gates open at 5:30 PM for picnicking. Opening acts perform from 6 to 6:45 PM with main acts starting at 7 PM. All shows are held in the Norwich Gardens Amphitheater at the Upper Valley Events Center at 80 Route 5 South in Norwich, Vermont – just across from the Subaru dealership and King Arthur Flour on Route 5 headed south from the village of Norwich. Tickets are available at Norwich Wine & Spirits, King Arthur Flour, Hanover Strings, online and at the gate on the day of the shows. Free admission to those under 17. Call (802) 649-2772 for details. The line up for summer 2008 is as follows. Red Molly, a folk/country trio will open the concert series (www.redmolly.com) with their high-energy, satisfying string band music that combines a hint of pop, a dash of country with soul-pleasing three-part harmonies on July 10th at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the gate. Opening act is Pariah Beat, a “home team” Upper Valley band that is part Johnny Cash, party English Beat and part Elvis Presley whose songs are rooted in the “now”. Additional information at (802) 649-2772 or online at www.openairconcerts.org. Betty Johnson and Lydia Gray, jazz singers, join with renowned musicians, Ed Eastridge and others on July 24th in a performance that will bring songs by Jobim, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Elton John, the Beatles, Peter Gabriel and Norah Jones. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate and her show starts promptly at 7 PM. Opening act is Chloe Brisson and her band, Absolut Jazz, an emerging local pop and jazz ensemble. Additional information at (802) 649-2772 or online at www.openairconcerts.org. David Wilcox, a singer-songwriter of national repute will grace our stage on August 7th with beautifully crafted songs offset by wonderful stories and wry observations on the world. His shows are a journey through the full range and richness of life. Opening for David will be guitar virtuoso Randall Williams. Gates at 5:30 PM, show from 6 PM to 9 PM. Tickets $15 in advance, and $20 at door. Additional information at (802) 649-2772 or online at www.openairconcerts.org. Marko the Magician brings his stage show of amazement and laughter to the amphitheater at 6 PM on August 28th. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Additional information at (802) 649-2772 or online at Opening act is Orford’s own Simon Brooks, storyteller. www.openairconcerts.org.

Tickets King Arthur Flour Hanover Strings Norwich Wine and Spirits At the Events Center Box Office Online here Purchase Tickets