The 51st Annual Hopelands Gardens Concert Series Returns This SpringMark your calendars now for the return of our favorite annual concert series in Hopelands Gardens this spring and summer! The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department presents the 51st Annual Hopelands Gardens Concert Series, bringing live performances by local artists on the performing arts stage at the beautiful Hopelands Gardens every Monday evening in April, May, and June. The series kicks off on April 7 at 6:30 PM and continues through June 30. This family-friendly event is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Picnics are welcome, but alcohol is strictly prohibited.
While you are there, be sure to explore the beauty of the Hopelands Gardens. Take time to wander along the pathways shaded by 100-year live oaks, visit the Reflection pool, and get lost in the Labyrinth. Hopelands Gardens is also home to the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can learn all about the history of Aiken’s racing champions (Open Tues-Sun). There is so much to see and do, come experience it for yourself this spring!
Here is the 2025 Hopelands Gardens Concert Series performance lineup, with dates and performers subject to change:
The Lady & The Gents is described as a classic and classy R&B and Smooth Jazz Band with the ability to collectively and creatively resurrect classic oldies (but goodies) and breathe new life into them by pairing them with yet another classic to create “musical masterpieces (mash-ups)” that leaves audiences wanting more. The community has voted them Augusta’s Best R&B and Jazz Band 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Established in 1990, Swingsation, is an 15-piece big band with vocals performing music from the 30′s and 40′s up to today. Swingsation has performed throughout the CSRA at civic events and private parties.
Whiskey Business is the 2024 “Aiken County Battle at the Alley” champion and consists of six musicians from all parts of the US, and one from England. They play a diverse set, featuring rock, pop, jazz and blues. Come join us and get ready to dance the night away!
The Experiment and the I-20 Horns are a group of 7 Musicians from the Aiken, North Augusta and Augusta area. The group consists of 2 trumpets, tenor sax, trombone, guitar bass guitar and drums. The diverse backgrounds of all the performers allow the group to play all genres of music for all occasions.
Heart & Soul is made up of seven local musicians who perform together each year for the Aiken Women’s Heart Board benefit at the USCA Etheredge Center. In addition, they often perform for local parties, festivals and weddings throughout the community.
The Aiken Concert Band is a non-profit organization created to promote musical entertainment and enjoyment to the citizens of Aiken and the Central Savannah River Area. The band is presently composed of over 70 talented musicians from the Aiken area. The band is currently under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Mr. Todd Jenkins.
The SureFires “Jaycie & Brooke” was formed after the two gals happily got hired together as back-up singers for the popular “Goin’ South” (A Tribute To Southern Music) and has headlined shows at notable places like The Miller Theater, The Riverfront Amphitheater & Lexington Icehouse to name a few. Once they saw the response to them joining forces as a harmonious female duo, they knew they had something special. They are thrilled to perform their acoustic stylings of popular songs (and maybe a couple of originals in between)!
Founded by Carl Crosby, the company has been in existence for over 54 years. Under the Artistic Direction of Laura Jones, the company produces original ballets and contemporary dance works. The Aiken Civic Ballet is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Keely Jean Rhodes, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist and assistant professor of music, and Dr. Megan Rich, head of piano studies, perform as a duo. Both are accomplished musicians and professors at USC Aiken, with Dr. Rich also being affiliated with the Frances Clark Center and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. This unique concert is sure to be an inspiring musical collaboration.
The Aiken Brass is made up of six members and has been performing for over 20 years at church services, weddings, festivals, and parties.
An eclectic group that is skilled in several genres. All of the members have played across the U.S. from Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, cruise ships, Vegas, Memphis and Nashville.
Chris Ndeti is a dynamic and versatile female acoustic rock/soul performer. She currently performs local venues around the Aiken and Augusta area. This year’s ensemble includes fellow artists James Heath, Mike West and Dave Mercer. They have all played together in various combinations for the last ten years
The Parris Island Marine Band has been a part of the Hopelands Concert Series for over 30 years, performing patriotic staples like John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” This crowd favorite completes the series on a high note.
In the event of inclement weather, any performances will be moved indoors to Odell Weeks Center (Gym 2) at 1700 Whiskey Road. Event parking is available at the Green Boundary Club (780 Whiskey Road), with handicap parking offered at Rye Patch (100 Berrie Road)and Hopelands Gardens (135 Dupree Place).
For more information, call (803) 642-7600 and press 3, visit HopelandsConcertSeries.com, or check out the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Facebook page.
Wrapped behind a wavy brick wall, under a canopy of ancient oaks, deodar cedars and magnolias, is Hopelands Gardens. Opened in 1970 as a public garden, this 14-acre estate was gifted to the City of Aiken by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. Throughout the gardens is a network of walking paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks, beautifully maintained gardens, sparkling ponds, water features, and great places to have a picnic or simply sit a spell and enjoy nature.
It is believed that Mrs. Iselin herself planted the deodar cedars and live oaks which still grace Hopelands Gardens today. The curves of the paths and the garden’s borders lead visitors throughout a wonderful variety of experiences sure to please people of all ages.
The gardens are open to the public from 10 a.m. to sunset. Here is an interactive map that shows all of the must-see landmarks in Hopelands Gardens.
Come enjoy a Monday afternoon outdoors in beautiful Hopelands Gardens this spring. Please join us for the April 21st concert featuring Whiskey Business Band, sponsored by Suzy Haslup and Kathryn Siders of Aikenhorserealty. It will be a highlight of the spring season in Aiken, SC. We can’t wait to see you there!
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