Summertime in the Tri-Community means longer days with warmer temperatures. However, this year’s summer solstice also hosted the return of two of the most highly anticipated concert events in Wrightwood, The Red Barn Opry and Music in the Pines.
The Red Barn Opry amazed audiences on Saturday, June 24th, and transported them back in time with the impressively designed old western town at Wilkensville, owned by John Wilkins, on the corner of Oriole and Edna. The property is complete with a trading post, church, jail, and the iconic red barn. The 15th annual Red Barn Opry opened with an acoustic performance by Rebecca Batzel accompanied by her dad Ryan Batzel who performed songs like “You Are My Sunshine.” Next, Mike Kelly & the Slick Pickers harmonized their way on stage with a performance of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” from the film O’ Brother Where Art Thou? The night continued with performances by A Boy Named Sue & the Folsom Prison Crew, and finally, the crowd danced along to “Hurts So Good” towards the end of the night performed by the Southern Spirit band. The event also served up some Southern hospitality.
It included free food with bbq, cornbread, and popcorn, all made possible by the generous sponsors, which were proudly displayed on the side of the barn next to the stage. Graham Ludlow from Daniel Meredith Plumbing thanked all of the business sponsors and the sea of people spread out along the street, saying, “Let’s give a big round of applause to everyone who donated and volunteered!”
The Music in the Pines concert series also attracted an enormous audience with their opening show on Thursday, June 29th. The parking lot in front of the Wrightwood community building was filled with concertgoers and their camping chairs while Michelle Schneider and Walter took to the stage and performed acoustic covers of popular songs by such artists as Dave Mathews and The Eagles. Raffle tickets were sold throughout the night to raise money for the event and included gift cards to local businesses. Food was available for purchase from Mexico Lindo and Mile High Pizza. The Village Grind served beverages, and dessert was offered by Rose Noir Chocolates, cinnamon rolls from the Wrightwood Property Owners, and snow cones from Snowies shaved ice.
The headliner for the night was country artist Jarret James who performed original songs with his band and brought a lively American spirit just in time to celebrate the upcoming 4th of July, which got people up out of their seats for some line dancing in the moonlight. Music in the Pines will continue in July with performances on Thursday the 13th and Thursday the 27th at 6:00 pm in the evening because there’s nothing better than listening to live music at the end of a long summer day.
