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Concerts, Educational and Seasonal Information

Seasonal and Special Events

Christmas in Hopelands, Concerts, and Story Time.

Hopelands Concert Series

On Monday evenings from April through June, the Concert series presents live shows by talented performers on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. It is a lovely venue, an amphitheater set amidst the towering pines and cedars nestled alongside the lakes.

We are excited to unveil the lineup for the 2024 Hopelands Concert Series. Please note that performance dates and artists are subject to change.

April 1, 2024, at 6:30 PM: Savannah Sunday Band, sponsored by Vikki & Brandi at Meybohm, The Aiken Homes Team
The Savannah Sunday Band brings together a talented lineup: lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Robb Underwood, recognized as a ‘Writer to Watch’ by the Nashville Songwriter Association; bass guitarist Mark Rich, an Air Force veteran with a rich musical background; lead guitarist Reed Moseley, whose passion for music was ignited at the age of 10, influenced by legends like Johnny Cash; and drummer Brandon O’Neill, whose love for 60s and 70s music led him to pick up the drums at 21, inspired by “Hocus Pocus” by Focus. Don’t miss their exciting performance at Hopelands Gardens this year!

April 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM: Gavin Reily Band, Sponsored by Aiken Performing Arts
Gavin Reily has written and performed from Nashville to L.A., but he discovered his true voice and groove after settling in Aiken, South Carolina. Now, accompanied by his co-writer and bassist Jim Paczynaki, veteran musician Stuart Stahr on drums, harmonica extraordinaire Danny “Doc” Boon, and lead guitarist Canaan Peeples, Gavin Reily Band presents their original, toe-tapping, infectiously melodic music. So come groove along, enjoy the ride, and share in this unique journey with the Gavin Reily Band.

 

 

April 15, 2024, at 6:30 PM: Wayne Hoey Big Band, sponsored by Cumberland Village
The Wayne Hoey Big Band is an ensemble of twenty musicians, all from the Central Savannah River Area, who enjoy performing hits from the Big Band Era. We mix it up with arrangements of popular tunes.

April 22, 2024, at 6:30 PM: Southern Elite Cloggers, sponsored by DayBreak
A national award-winning team is ready to take the stage. Come see the Southern Elite Cloggers perform a variety of routines from ages 3 and up through senior adults. They are under the direction of Kristle Golden, Rachel Blair, and Tori Solomon. These ladies and gentlemen have won thousands of awards and put on a spectacular show. So come out and enjoy Aiken’s very own Cloggers with their hand-clapping and foot-stomping routines.

April 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM: The SureFires (Jaycie & Brooke), sponsored by The Willcox
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)!

May 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Aiken Concert Band,
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.

May 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Preston & Weston, sponsored by Aiken Horse Realty
An Aiken favorite, Preston & Weston offers spirited renditions of R&B classics, shag, beach, and pop music. Their mix also includes jazz standards, reggae, blues, and even some country. Preston and Weston have lots of vocals, lots of laughs, and lots of fun.

May 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Savannah River Winds, sponsored by W.O.W.
Formed in 2001, Savannah River Winds is composed of music teachers, high school and college band directors, professionals, and college students. The group is currently under the direction of Richard Brasco, and their performance will feature Broadway hits, big band classics, and marches.

May 27, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Aiken Civic Ballet Company, sponsored by Friends of Hopelands Gardens & Rye Patch, LLC
The Aiken Civic Ballet Company is South Carolina’s longest continuously-operating dance company. ACBC produces original ballets and contemporary dance works under the direction of Artistic Director, Diane Toole Miller.

June 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Aiken Brass Band, sponsored by Aiken County Farmers Market
The Aiken Brass is made up of six members and has been performing for over 20 years at church services, weddings, festivals, and parties. Members of the group often perform with many other organizations throughout the community.

June 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Heart & Soul, sponsored by Security Federal
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.

June 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM: The Experiment & the I-20 Horn, sponsored by HASC
The Experiment and the I-20 Horns are a group of 7 Musicians from the Aiken, North Augusta, and Augusta areas. 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.

June 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM: Parris Island Marine Band, sponsored by The Screenprint Factory and Friends of Hopelands Gardens & Rye Patch, LLC
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.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Picnic dinners are welcomed, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. The concert series is family and pet friendly with no cost to attend.

Handicapped parking is available at Rye Patch at 100 Berrie Rd. All other attendees should park at the Green Boundary Club at 780 Whiskey Rd. In case of inclement weather, performances are moved to another site. For more information call 803-642-7631.

Put October 13, 2024 on your calendar to visit Hopelands Gardens for Nature Rocks in the Gardens! Nature – Ecology – Science – History – Music – Arts and Crafts – Demonstrations – all come alive. There is nothing better than hearing children laugh and seeing them discover nature. This annual event is planned for children and families to share a glorious fun day together. We all need to go outside and play!

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Story Time In The Gardens

 On Tuesday afternoons in March, April, May, September and October, families meet on the grounds of Rye Patch, located at 100 Berrie Rd. Everyone has fun listening to a story read by an engaging reader. Snacks and drinks, and a lawn chair or blanket make the experience more enjoyable. Admission and one book are free (if a child attends all 20 readings, they will accumulate 20 books). After the story is finished, the fun continues as children run and play with friends or perhaps engage in a craft project. 

Families are encouraged to bring used books from home to help stock the Little Free Library located at the Doll House in Hopelands. 

Reading and sharing books promote literacy in our community. Please link to the Education Box and see a bibliography of books found at the Aiken County Public Library or in the ABBE Regional Library System. You can check out these books at www.abbe-lib.org. 

Story Time is free to attend and is held on the grounds of Rye Patch, located at 100 Berrie Rd. This season our stories will highlight the importance of your imagination, teamwork, friendship, and much more!
For more information call 803-642-7631

 

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Annual Christmas in Hopelands

For more than 30 years, this magical stroll through Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch has delighted families during the holidays. Listen to holiday music, sip hot cocoa or apple cider, and gaze upon a vista of two miles of lighted pathways and displays with more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The lights are white throughout Hopelands Gardens, in keeping with Hope Iselin’s wishes of a traditional and serene Christmas, while brightly colored lights engage children at Rye Patch.

There is no cost to enter the event or to utilize the shuttle service. All guests should use the shuttle service to the gardens available each night. Shuttles run continuously from Citizens Park, located at 1060 Banks Mill Road, from 5:45 – 8:45 p.m. The last shuttle to view Christmas in Hopelands leaves Citizens Park at 8:45 p.m.  No general public parking is allowed at Hopelands or Rye Patch. Handicap parking is available at 135 Dupree Place. No animals are allowed on shuttle vehicles.

On selected nights and hours, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum and the Doll House are open with seasonal decorations. Visit Santa Claus at Rye Patch and listen to live music from the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage.