Music Everywhere

From northeast to southwest, music has filled Elmore County’s summer afternoons and evenings with concerts on the grass, through the halls and on the streets for generations.

It wouldn’t be summer without the annual 4th of July concert and fireworks show at Lake Martin Amphitheater in Eclectic. Spectators pay $10 to sit on the grassy hillside with friends and family for a well-known headliner concert with a view of the lake. As dusk turns to night, boats anchor off the shoreline, and when the time is right, the stage rolls away to make room for one of the South’s most outstanding fireworks displays on the ground and in the air. When the last rocket has exploded, the band returns for a final set.

One of the longest running concert events in Elmore County, the annual Titus Bluegrass Festival, draws more than a thousand people to the lawn of the Titus Community Center every fall. This small community of fewer than 2,500 people grows by more than a third on the last Saturday of September for a toe-tapping good time to raise funds for the maintenance of the building that is the center of town life. Time-honored musicians take the stage on the very spot where Hanks Williams Sr. once gave a concert for 25 cents per ticket.

In Millbrook, townspeople and visitors pack coolers and lawn chairs and head to the Village Green on Thursday nights in June and July. All genres play at this free-admission casual get-together for all ages. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner and treats from the food trucks in attendance.

“It’s a nice evening out and always has fantastic music,” said Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley.

The music starts at 6:30 p.m.

Not to be outdone, Wetumpka brings the music to the streets with colorfully painted pianos positioned around town for free play by anyone who chooses to sit down and trip the keys. On warm summer nights, the pianos can be rolled outside for ready access during outdoor events. Pianos are located at The Market Shoppes, the Kelly, the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce and Provisions.

Wind Creek Entertainment Center books world renowned performers throughout the year, like Peter Frampton and Jill Scott. The venue offers everyone the best seat in the house no matter where you sit.

Of course, many restaurants and lounges throughout Elmore County host music on weekends to entertain patrons as they dine, dance and visit with friends. Check out websites and Facebook pages for your favorite eateries and concert venues.