Aiken Launches First Fall Concert Series at Hopelands Gardens With Free Shows

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will kick off the first-ever Fall Hopelands Concert Series on Sept. 21 at Hopelands Gardens. Four free performances by musicians from the area will take place on select Mondays through October.

All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. The Keith Clark Band opens on Sept. 21. Brooke Lundy & John Vaughn perform Sept. 28. The Dusty Angels play Oct. 5, and Lost Dog closes things out Oct. 12.

The Keith Clark Band has performed throughout the CSRA and greater Augusta area for over eight years. They play classic rock, country, pop, alternative, and party songs.

Brooke Lundy performed for years with Jaycie Ward as the SureFires before returning to Aiken in 2013. She now plays with groups like All The Things and the Big Time Band in Columbia. John Vaughn serves as the resident pianist at The Willcox and has performed at venues worldwide, from the Venice Biennale in Italy to the United Artists Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Dusty Angels, a seven-piece band from Augusta, released their 2024 EP Old Friends and their latest single Hush Your Mind. 

Lost Dog features Tanner Williamson and Branson Taylor, childhood friends with roots in Aiken who started at South Aiken High School talent shows. They've played at Amp the Alley, SRP Park and The Aiken Steeplechase.

Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnics to the free concerts. No alcohol allowed. Parking is available at the Green Boundary Club at 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at Hopelands Gardens at 135 Dupree Place and Rye Patch at 100 Berrie Road.