Music in the Woods

The beginning of September heralds the return of the Music in the Woods series in Greenville’s closest state park, Paris Mountain. Every Saturday afternoon from 2 - 4 pm through October, local bands perform in the outdoor amphitheater courtesy of Paris Mountain State Park Friends and the South Carolina Park Service. The concert is free with park admission, and in my opinion is the most undervalued free concert series in the Upstate!

The series kicked off with Nikki Talley on September 1st and the Trapfire Brothers this past Saturday. Next up, My Girl, My Whiskey and Me this weekend on the 15th, Gwyn Flower September 22nd, and Local Green Family Band to round out September on the 29th. October has Dave Desmelik on the 6th, Swamp Rabbit Railroad on the 13th, The Passing Scene on the 20th, and a local favorite, Darby Wilcox on the 27th. You can follow the series on facebook here.

To reach the amphitheater, park in the main parking lot across from the Park Center. From there it is a short walk on Mountain Creek Trail – follow the signs to the amphitheater. Concert-goers are welcome to bring their dinner, cooler and pets (on a leash), and the kids usually run around while the music is playing, exploring the surrounding woods.

These concerts are eco-friendly, using solar power to generate electricity for the bands. Part of the amphitheater is always in the shade of the surrounding trees, but if it rains, the closest shelter is the bicycle repair station up near the Park Center so you might want to pack an umbrella if there is a chance of afternoon showers.

Before or after the concert: hit one of the Paris Mountain Trails, admire the Civilian Conservation Corps era Park Center, or swim/paddle out on Lake Placid. And don’t forget to get your stamp if you’re participating in the SC State Parks Ultimate Outsider program!