Pritchard Park Summer Series announced

Press release:

The Asheville Downtown Association’s Pritchard Park Summer Series kicks off Tuesday, May 30 in downtown’s Pritchard Park. All events are free and open to the public.

The Pritchard Park Summer Series includes:

· Hoop Jam, Tuesdays May 30 to August 29 from 5:30-7:30pm, produced by Asheville Hoops

· LEAF Community Arts, Wednesdays June 7 to August 9 from 6-7pm, supported by the Asheville Art in the Park Arts and Community Grant

· Pritchard Park Singer/Songwriter Series, Thursdays June 8 to July 27 from 6-8pm, supported by Echo Mountain Studios

· Asheville Drum Circle, Fridays beginning about 6pm (The Drum Circle extends beyond the Memorial Day to Labor Day timeframe)

Now in its 10th summer, Hoop Jam is a fun way to put a little play in your day. Instruction is provided by Melanie MacNeil, widely recognized as one of Asheville and the Southeast’s finest fire and hoop performers. Local musician, George Pond, delivers the tunes. Bring your hoop or borrow one to try out.

LEAF GLOBAL CITIZEN’S DANCE & ART SERIES – WEDNESDAYS 6-7PM w/ arts & crafts from the LEAF Easel Rider

• June 7, July 12, August 9 – Hip Hop Jam with Nex Millan

• June 14, July 19 – West African Drum and Rhythms with Adama Dembele

• June 21 – Improv & Theatre with a Globel Lens with Erinn Hatley

• June 28 – Arts in the Park Jam with LEAF Teaching Artists

• July 5 – Scratching & Mixing Freestyle Dance with DJ Kutzu

• July 26, August 2 – Mardi Gras Indian Traditions with Chief Shaka Zula & Imhotep

PRITCHARD PARK SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES – THURSDAYS 6-8PM

• June 8 – Brie Capone

• June 15 – Anya Hinkle

• June 22 – Alexa Rose & The Midnight Stringbird

• June 29 – Ben Phan

• July 6 – Ian Rindenhour

• July 13 – Tina & Her Pony

• July 20 – SIYAH

• July 27 – Sarah Tucker

Since 2001, the beats and rhythms of the Asheville Drum Circle have pulled people into Pritchard Park. The free community event draws not only drummers, but dancers, spectators and more. Attendees are welcome to bring along their own drums and join in the fun. The Drum Circle takes place every Friday (weather permitting) and begins about 6pm.

The Pritchard Park Summer Series is a production of the Asheville Downtown Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation and improvement of the central business district.

More information about the Pritchard Park Summer Series and the Asheville Downtown Association can be found online at www.ashevilledowntown.org or by following through social media including Facebook and Twitter (@AVLDowntown).