By Maria King, Grandmother extraordinaire and president of EventCrazy.com
I always hear that expression, “lazy days of summer” and I wonder what actually makes the days of summer lazy. Is there something in summer which makes people lazier than other seasons of the year? To find out, I sang along with Nat King Cole’s, Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer, and not one clue in that song about why they are lazy. The lyrics are kind of upbeat, not lazy at all really. I have a feeling that it is because it can be so hot people just want to lay around and do nothing, but then I think, that cannot possibly be right. I mean I pretty much want to lie around and do nothing every chance I get no matter what season of the year. Personally I take issue with the confining of that thought to summer alone! However this so called laziness has nothing to do with this week’s events. I was just curious and wanted to verbalize it in case anyone out there knows how that all got started. And I want you to know that I am now paying for that curiosity with that song stuck in my head.
The events showcased this week all take place on multiple days during the summer. Not like traditional events that take place on consecutive days but more a series of events taking place on random days. All are different events placed under one umbrella. The various events I have highlighted here are anxiously anticipated in there local areas. People wait all year for the schedules to come out to see what performances or productions will be offered. With the special dates circled on their calendars (I know people don’t do that anymore but work with me here) fans make preparations to enjoy another season of their favorite genre. Featured events include opera, Shakespeare and music of just about every type. I think it is amazing that with all the effort that goes into these events, so many of them take place annually. It is a tribute to the sponsors and organizers that the events can continue on year after year. They certainly aren’t lazy in summer.
Now I know that these kind of weekly or monthly events are likely happening near you. Maybe not these exact events but similar ones. To find out for sure, simply use the search box above and find some summer long events in your backyard. They offer a golden opportunity to spend time with multiple friends and family. They have all manner of restrictions so be sure to check ahead. For instance, some are pet friendly, some are not, some serve food and drink and others let you bring your own and at some you need to bring your own chair and some you have reserved seating and no chairs are allowed. Who wants to carry a chair a half mile from the car only to be told at the gate that it is not allowed? Remember it’s the lazy days of summer. That would mean a half mile walk there, a half mile walk back to the car and another half mile back to the show; that’s a mile and a half walk! When you end up walking that far, it sure doesn’t sound like the lazy days of summer to me?
Jun 07, 2013 – Aug 11, 2013
University Theater at University of Colorado at Boulder Boulder, CO 80303
One of the top Shakespeare festivals in the country with drama, food and entertainment. No performances on Monday’s. Some of the shows include: Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Treasure Island, All’s Well That Ends Well and others.
42,000 Attendees
Ash Lawn Opera Summer Music Festival
Jul 10, 2013 – Aug 11, 2013
Ash Lawn Highland Charlottesville, VA22902
Since 1979, a celebration of the American musical tradition including fully-staged opera and musical theatre in an outdoor venue. Weekends only, check website for schedule.
13,000 Attendees
Aspen Music Festival and School
Jun 27, 2013 – Aug 18, 2013
Apsen Music Festival and School Aspen, CO81611
Since 1950, an internationally renowned classical music festival that presents events each day with world-class music in an intimate, small town setting. With over 400 events, many are free, however some do require admission fees. The festival will comprise more than 300 events and include an anniversary celebration of Harris Concert Hall, debuts by major artists such as Joyce DiDonato and the newly reformed Emerson String Quartet, eclectic offerings such as Simone Dinnerstein in concert with folk singer Tift Merritt and, as always, Aspen’s signature mix of standard, adventurous, and “wet ink” music. Another hallmark of the Festival has been a wide variety of lectures and enrichment events, as well as collaborations with organizations such as the Aspen Public Radio, the Aspen Institute, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, the Basalt Public Library and the AndersonRanchArtsCenter.
Appalachian Summer Festival
Jul 01, 2013 – Aug 01, 2013
Appalachin State University Boone, NC28608
Since 1985, A month-long celebration of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film held on and around the campus of Appalachian State University.
26,000 Attendees
Grand Teton Music Festival
Jul 04, 2013 – Aug 16, 2013
Walk Festival Hall Jackson Hole, WY83002
A summer festival of music featuring numerous orchestral and chamber concerts. Since its inception in 1962, the Grand Teton Music Festival has earned the reputation as one of the most important summer music festivals in the country. Originally produced by an organization known as the Fine Arts Guild as part of the Jackson Hole Fine Arts Festival, the Grand Teton Music Festival’s first several seasons included dance, film, and visual art as well as music. Local volunteers gave time, energy, and money to make the acoustical panels, risers, and floor coverings that provided the setting for beautiful music. With performances in the old High School gymnasium, the Jackson Lake Lodge, and on the lawn of St. John’sChurch, the Festival made a mark on the summer cultural life of Jackson Hole.
Vail Valley Music Festival
Jun 28, 2013 – Aug 03, 2013
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Vilar Pavilion Vail, CO 81658
Since 1987. Featuring chamber and orchestral music. The glorious sounds of orchestral and chamber music will once again fill the air of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Bravo brings to the VailValley over 40 acclaimed soloists, ensembles and outstanding resident orchestras. The scheduled performances is almost everyday. Check website or call for specific performances and times.
60,000 Attendees
Utah Shakespearean Festival
Jun 24, 2013 – Oct 19, 2013
Adams Shakespearean Theater at Southern Utah University Cedar City, UT84720
Since 1962, an amazing summer of great Shakespearean entertainment on one of the World’s most acclaimed Shakespearean stages. Held in CedarCity this event offers matinee and evening performances, backstage tours, and seminars.
38,000+ Attendees
Shakespeare Santa Cruz
Jul 23, 2013 – Sep 01, 2013
Theatre Arts Center at the University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA95064
Experience lively, innovative theatre performed in the spectacular outdoor Festival Glen and the intimate indoor Mainstage Theatre. Under the majestic redwoods of coastal California, see one of the top ten Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Visit their website for specific schedule.
Music at Gretna
Jul 03, 2013 – Sep 08, 2013
Mount Gretna Playhouse Mount Gretna, PA17064
Music at Gretna is a month-long festival of world-class artists presenting in magical Mt.Gretna. Our signature chamber music and jazz offerings will be accompanied by other events and artists.
10,000 Attendees
Wintergreen Summer Music Festival and Academy
Jul 08, 2013 – Aug 04, 2013
Wintergreen Resort Rockfish, VA22958
Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Performing Arts, Inc. is a non-profit organization that produces a high-quality summer music festival featuring symphonic and chamber concerts, as well as other performing arts programs throughout the year. The 2013 Festival, IN MY MIND’S EYE – Image, imagery and imagination in the arts, will include more than 200 performances and events in 28 days (July 8-August 4). What sparks the imagination of a creative genius, and how do we perceive his or her work? How do our individual “mind’s eyes” shape our own understanding and enjoyment of the arts? Expect another thrilling roller coaster ride as the 2013 Festival unfolds.
Broadway Under the Stars
Jun 28, 2013 – Aug 31, 2013
Jack London State Park Sonoma, CA95442
Broadway Under The Stars in Jack London State Park” is a summer season of concerts taking place in the park this summer, from June 28th to August 31st. Scheduled to appear in the season are performers from Broadway shows such as “Wicked,” “42nd Street,” “Les Miserables,” and “Mary Poppins,” as well as other performers with National Tour, International Tour, Film, and Television credits. The season will feature four separate themed concerts with a total of 14 nights of performances, wine tasting, and pre-event picnicking in the park. A portion of the proceeds from each concert will benefit the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association (who took over the operation of the park in 2012), and the success of these concerts will play a vital role in the sustaining of the threatened park for generations to come.
800 Attendees
Union Square’s Summer in the Square
Jun 13, 2013 – Aug 15, 2013
Union Square Park, West Plaza New York, NY10003
Union Square’s Summer in the Square is back this year and bigger than ever! Union Square Partnership’s FREE weekly summer entertainment series is held Thursdays in UnionSquarePark . The series offers a vibrant mixture of activities for everyone. This year we’ve partnered with Paragon Sports to start each morning with a heart-pumping fitness regime for all levels that includes a weekly running club, boot camp from Circuit of Change, and yoga classes from Jivamukti during Fitness in the Square from 7:00 – 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, Kids in the Square kicks off in the Pavilion with Yoga StoryTime with Karma Kids, followed by a rotating lineup of the hottest children’s performers and acts at 11:00 AM on the SouthPlaza of the park. At lunchtime, enjoy live jazz from the NewSchool for Jazz and Contemporary Music in the park’s Westside Seating Area. Finally, each Thursday will close at 6:00 PM with free dance lessons and performances by PeridanceCapezioCenter. Mark your calendar and join us in the park this summer!
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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