There’s something about the start of summer that always gets me excited. I have visions of our family sprawling out on a blanket, packing a picnic, sipping an ice-cold beverage and enjoying some great live music.  Of course, sometimes my vision and our reality don’t always mesh (kids are too hot, the bugs are bothering them, I forgot to pack the drinks, it rains, they’re too tired, etc.).  But even with some of our previous mishaps, we usually have a good time and there’s always hope that my “vision” for this season will work out.  So with that in mind, FFC wanted to share some of the upcoming free summer concerts held throughout Greater Cincinnati.  If you have any free concerts that you’d like to add to our listing, please leave us a comment with all the details.

After Hours on the Square - Union Centre, West Chester Ohio. Concerts held from 6-9pm beginning June 3 through Sept. 2. Food and beverages will be available but no coolers are allowed.

Broad Street Bash – Governor’s Square, Broad St. & Central Ave.,  Middletown, Ohio. 6-9:30 pm, various concert dates this summer, May 19 – Aug 11.

Cincinnati Parks - They have lots of free concerts.  You’ll need to click here to get their full schedule of concert events.

• Everybody’s Backyard Picnic Concerts – Held at various parks on Thursday nights starting June 3 through July 29 – 6-8:30pm
• LPK Acoustic Lunch Series – Piatt Park – Tuesdays – 11:45am-1:45pm – May 18 through Sept. 28
• Burnett Woods Concerts – Held on Saturdays (various dates)

City of Blue Ash Summer Concerts – Tuesdays & Fridays in June, July & August. Click here for full concert schedule.

• Tuesday Night Concerts in the Park – 7-9pm at the Blue Ash Amphitheater, 4433 Cooper Road.
• Friday Night Concerts on the Square – 8-11pm at the Blue Ash Towne Center, corner of Hunt & Cooper Roads

Evendale Summer Concert Series - Thank you FFC reader, Katie, for letting us know about the Village of Evendale’s summer concert line up. All concerts are held from 7:30-9:30 pm beginning June 5 through September 11.  Click here for a list of dates and musicians. Concerts are held at a park behind the Evendale Recreation Center (corner of Reading & Glendale-Milford Roads).

Fifth Third West Chester Concert Series – Held at Keehner Park on Saturday nights starting June 5 through Sept. 6.  Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or chairs. They have an outdoor amphitheater that is perfect for a summer concert. 7211 Barrett Road, West Chester.

Fountain Square – Fountain Square has music galore with their PNC Summer Concert Series.  There is a free concert every day (except Saturdays).

• FSQ Lounge – Mondays – 7-9pm
• Southern Sounds – Tuesdays – 7-9pm
• Reggae Wednesdays -5-9pm
• Acoustic Thursdays – Noon-1pm
• Salsa on the Square – Thursdays – 7-9pm
• Mid-Point’s Indie Summer – Fridays – 7-11pm
• Smooth Sundays – 7-9pm

Landen-Deerfield Park Summer Concerts - They will have six Sunday evening concerts beginning June 6 through Aug. 29. The concerts will be held at the Landen-Deerfield Park Amphitheater at 6pm.  Bring your own seating.  Bring a picnic or enjoy the onsite concessions available for purchase. Sponsored by Deerfield Township and the Warren County Park District.

Sunshine Concert Series – Mason, Ohio. Sundays at 6pm at Corwin Nixon Park. Bring your own seating. June 27-Aug. 22 (no concert on July 4).  They will also have concessions available at the Lou Eves Municipal Pool.

Thursday Night Live - Mason, Ohio. The Festivals of Mason have a great music line up on the newly designed plaza in Downtown Mason.  On the first Thursday of the month (May 6 to Sept. 2), enjoy live music, activities for kids, food and more.  Bring your own seats.

I am always looking for activities that can include our whole family, not an easy task when the children range from 22 to 10.  Today I sent an invite to “the kids” and everyone on my Face Book inviting them to Rezonate Music Fest and now I’m inviting all of you.

I’m looking forward to this event, I’m crossing my fingers “the kids” will make it.  You can find a schedule here.  I personally can’t wait to hear Gary Hitsman at 5:00 p.m. and am hopeful to make it until 8:00 p.m. for Brian White and Karyn Williams.  If you enjoy rock music I hear 8Kount (playing at 6 p.m.) is well known in Cincinnati, they have headlined at the WEBN fireworks. This event also includes a charity motorcycle ride, registration begins at 8:30 and the ride will leave at 11:00, Cost: $15/single rider; $20/couple (participants in the bike ride re-enter the Festival free).  If you would like more information about the ride please contact Jeff at jeepmanjeff@yahoo.com. All of the proceeds from this event will be used to provide school supplies for the non-profit organization Backpacks for Pine Ridge.  For additional information about Rezonate Music Fest or Backpacks for Pine Ridge please feel free to contact Amber at amberburiff@aol.com

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I am looking forward to using this fun family day as an opportunity to educate my children on how fortunate we are.  We have an adorable zebra stripped monogram backpack over flowing with school supplies, I want to make sure my 10 year old understands there are opportunities to help those less fortunate.

Rezonate Music Fest

Voice of America Park

August 29, 2009

2 P.M. until 11 P.M.

$8/car; $2/bike suggested parking donation