The sounds of music will fill the air in Lake Country beginning this weekend with the kickoff of the Oconee Performing Arts Society’s Summer Series and continuing next month with Pickin’ on the Greene, sponsored by Greensboro Better Hometown.

The Greensboro Better Hometown Program in partnership with the Greensboro Business Association will present Pickin’ on the Greene from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 13 in the streets of Downtown Greensboro.  

Pickin’ on the Greene is the newest event in downtown’s line-up. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment in North Main Street, children’s activities, and of course shopping and dining; all set against the backdrop of Lake Oconee’s Hometown.

“Pickin’ on the Greene will offer the community a new way to experience downtown Greensboro,” said Better Hometown Manager Cail Hammons. “We hear from visitors all the time that Greensboro is such a charming and welcoming place. Our goal is for those of us who call Greensboro home to have an opportunity to come out and share a fun evening in town with our friends and neighbors.”  

The event will feature live music performed by local group Pullin’ Strings and headliner, The Packway Handle Band of Athens. Both bands play their guitars, banjos, and fiddles with a bluegrass flair; performing new and traditional tunes along with original music that is sure to find a welcome ear among listeners of all ages.

The Packway Handle Band is based in nearby Athens, and has been described as one of the best bluegrass groups touring the nation today. The band wows audiences with its own inventive brand of bluegrass featuring close four-part harmonies and traditional string instruments. The band found national acclaim as finalists at the Telluride Colorado Bluegrass Competition in 2002 and 2003.

Bluegrass Now Magazine has said of the band, “One thing is obvious to all: The Packway Handle Band is not your father’s bluegrass band.”

“The Packway Handle Band is sure to put on a lively show for Greensboro,” said Better Hometown Event Coordinator Kendrick Harris. “Bluegrass is experiencing a fresh burst of popularity, and we are excited to offer this event in Downtown Greensboro.”

The evening’s entertainment will begin with Pullin’ Strings, a local group that is no stranger to Greene County. In fact, the band bills itself as Greene County’s favorite string band and has been playing together since 2009. Featuring a set list of Americana favorites, Pullin’ Strings receives a warm welcome wherever they take the stage; including recent performances at Greensboro’s Southland Jubilee and the White Plains School House.

Visitors to town are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy this free event. There will be plenty of activities for children and adults alike. Downtown shops and restaurants stay open into the evening offering the very best in Lake Country shopping and dining.

In addition to toe-tapping music, Pickin’ on the Greene will feature activities and vendor booths presented by local community organizations. Groups can participate in the event by offering goodies such as fresh lemonade, baked goods, or other summer favorites. Food booths and a number of different arts and crafts plan to be lined up in downtown Greensboro as well as bake sales and a jump house for children.

The Greensboro Better Hometown Program hopes to plan another Pickin’ on the Greene in the near future as long as the community embraces the event planned for next month.

“We have outstanding charities and community groups that help make Greensboro a vibrant city,” said Harris. “One goal for the event is to showcase local non-profit organizations as vendors.”

Another event kicking off the beginning of the summer, the Lake Oconee Summer Series, commences for a fifth straight year presenting popular Georgia band, the Kinchafoonee Cowboys Saturday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Oconee Village.

The popular Kinchafoonee Cowboys, who hail from Terrell County, perform all across the state, including the prestigious Georgia Theatre in Athens. They hold records at the theatre for most shows played, most shows sold-out and highest bar sales ever.

The Kinchafoonee Cowboys are no stranger to performing on the big stage, sharing it with prominent bands such as Widespread Panic, Alabama and Dave Matthews Band.

Previously titled the Village Concert Series, the newly named Summer Series starts Saturday and is hosted by the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS), which also puts on an additional two events throughout the summer at the Lake Oconee Village.

Beyond the Kinchafoonee Cowboys on June 9, OPAS has lined up A1A, the official Jimmy Buffett tribute band for July 6 and the fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta and World’s Fastest Cardboard Kayak Challenge on August 11.

To register your organization for Pickin’ On the Greene, call the Better Hometown office at (706) 453-7674. For more information on the Summer Series at Lake Oconee, visit www.OPAS.org, and to purchase tickets visit www.TicketAlternative.com or call 877-725-8849.