Tearing Down the Tent this Friday

The Toyota Scion of Concord Summer Events Series returns this week with another Movie in the Park. Join us for Tearing Down the Tent at 8:45 p.m. on Friday evening at Village Park.

Tearing Down the Tent is a circus documentary featuring the Cole Bros. Circus. Producer and director Michael Knox. Knox traveled with the circus as a child, and returns as an adult with his friend Jamie Reel. During a week in Wilmington, N.C., Reel works for the circus by helping with the camels, riding an elephant, working as a clown and standing in the “Moto-Globe of Death.” The movie features music from North Carolina bands, Bombadil, Sirius B and the Hellblinki Sextet.

For more information, click here.

Additionally, The Modern Film Fest is coming to the Gem Theater in Kannapolis Oct. 1-3. The festival is the brainchild of director Michael Knox, a former Kannapolis resident now living in Asheville and working in the film industry. The goal of the festival is to showcase independent films of all genres, from a diverse field of filmmakers. For more information, visit www.modernfilmfest.net.

It’s Charlotte Symphony Time!

This is an exciting week in Kannapolis. By far the highlight of the Toyota Scion of Concord Summer Events Series happens this Friday evening when the Charlotte Symphony returns to Village Park. A growing tradition, the Symphony will provide a free, patriotic program that will conclude with fireworks.

Last year more than 13,000 came out to watch and every available spot on the lawn was covered. And it was a Thursday performance. I’m sure folks will be out early staking claim again this year too. I know I will. 

The evening officially kicks off at 7 p.m. with a performance from the Highland Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. They are a youth organization charted in Kannapolis that plays in parades and concerts across the state. The symphony takes the stage at 8:15 or so and then the big fireworks show starts around 9:15.

Oh, and the weather? It should be perfect. I took a peek at the weekend forecast and it looks like the high on Friday is predicted at 84 with sunny skies.

It’s Movie Night Tomorrow

The Toyota Scion of Concord Summer Events Series returns this week with another Movie in the Park and a musical performance. Join us for The Piedmont Prime Time Band at 7:45, followed by Monsters vs. Aliens at 8:45 p.m. on Friday evening at Village Park.

Monsters vs. Aliens, released in 2009, is about a young woman who is struck by a meteor and transformed into a giant. With her group of ragtag monster friends, she must save the world from an alien threat in this animated comedy.The Piedmont Prime Time Band is a performance oriented, non-profit organization of volunteer musicians.

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Also, the Charlotte Symphony comes next Friday for the annual July 4th celebration. Pre-show at 7:00, Symphony at 8:15 and fireworks around 9:15. Be sure to get there early — last year more than 13,000 attended on a Wednesday evening.

First Concert Tomorrow Night

The first concert of the year for the Toyota Scion of Concord Summer Events Series in Kannapolis is tomorrow night! Please note that the starting time has been moved up to 6 p.m., when local favorites the Joe Davis Band will take the stage. Following them at 7 p.m., 80’s Night launches with Nantucket, Eastern Seaboard & Stratus.

Nantucket formed in Jacksonville, N.C. and signed with Epic Records in 1977. They released its self-titled album the following year, which featured the hit single “Heartbreaker.” An aggressive cross-country tour followed, and Nantucket opened for top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother’s Finest, Journey, and The Doobie Brothers.

Have memories of seeing them live? Share them below!

For more information on the event (parking, location, etc.) click here.

Big Weekend Ahead

Summer is getting closer and closer, and the Parks & Rec Department is offering three free family events — all a part of the Toyota Scion of Concord Summer Events Series — three days in a row this week.

We start with Thursdays on Main, which will feature a band called White Chocolate. I’ve been told they play a groovin variety. They will be at Veterans Park on Thursday for lunch between 11:30 and 1 p.m. Special thanks to CMC-NorthEast for sponsoring Thursdays on Main.

Friday, the free summer movies return. Held at Village Park, the movies are shown on the  40’ x 20’ foot big screen. Friday night features Up, which I hear is a fantastic animated tale. The movie starts at 8:45, but Radio Disney, one of the event sponsors, will be at the park beginning at 6:30 with games and activities. The movie is also sponsored by the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital.

Then, on Saturday, the second Stories under the Stars performance will take place at the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Public Library. The performance this time around is Doug Berkey. The fun begins at 7 p.m.

For much more, visit a news release here or www.cityofkannapolis.com/summerevents.

Thursdays on Main Return Today!

Last summer we added a new feature to the summer events line-up in Kannapolis called Thursdays on Main. Held under the oak trees at Veterans Park, the lunchtime concerts are free and feature a diverse range of music.

We’ll be holding them every Thursday between now and the end of June from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Various vendors will be on site selling lunches, or you can bring your own. Today Chef Jeff & Co. will be selling lunches and Coconut Groove Band will be performing.

Come join us! For more information you can view the press release here. Also, special thanks to Toyota Scion of Concord for agreeing to be the title sponsor of our events series this year.