Staff photo.
The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will kick off its annual summer reading program on June 2.
Vestavia Hills residents can find entertainment at their doorsteps by checking out the library amphitheater’s free summer concert series.
The Adults Services Department at Library in the Forest will host Shades Mountain Air on July 15 and Sean Michael Ray on Aug. 12. Both concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. Earlier in the summer, Rollin’ in the Hay performed on June 17.
“Sean Michael Ray and Rollin’ in the Hay bring such good crowds, and they have come back each summer,” said Terri Leslie, the Adults Services Librarian. “People always ask for them, and they’re also willing to perform.”
Local band Shades Mountain Air formed in 1997. The musicians describe their style as a combination of “modern, traditional and gospel bluegrass.”
Birmingham native Sean Michael Ray and his group produce “pure, melodic and soul-stirring sounds that resonate throughout your body,” Leslie said. Specifically, Ray receives praise for his remarkable talents on the bass guitar.
If weather permits, the concerts will remain in the amphitheater. If not, Leslie said the staff would relocate to the Grand Hall in the library.
“This is the third summer we’ve done this. We host these concerts because it’s such a summer thing to do, sitting outside and listening to music,” Leslie said. “And it’s great to see the community gathered.”
Though the library’s Adults Department plans the series, the concerts also attract young adults and families. The turn out for each concert often averages around 200 people.
“If we didn’t have to compete with football, we would definitely do this in the fall too,” Leslie said. “We really look forward to holding these concerts.”
