Summertime concert series winding down at Ashford Manor
August 24, 2009 by BLAKENEY SPONG For The Red Black
Filed under Variety
An evening with friends listening to live music in a beautiful and unparalleled outdoor setting while enjoying delicious food from local restaurants may sound like a hazy summertime dream. But Ashford Manor makes it a reality on Monday nights.
The five-acre Ashford Manor estate is also a well-known bed and breakfast. Mario Castro, co-owner of the estate, came up with the original idea almost 10 years ago of holding concerts there.
Concert on the Lawn Presents Mama’s Love
When: Tonight, 5:30
Where: Ashford Manor, Watkinsville
Price: $12 for students with I.D.
“The area was like a natural amphitheater,” Dave Shearon, co-owner of Ashford Manor said. “It just seemed like a natural place for a music theater.”
The venue opens its doors to a wide variety of patrons every other Monday night starting May through September. The tranquil and relaxing environment tends to draw in people of all ages.
Ashford Manor is definitely trying to book some bands that will expand the appeal of the venue to students, though. Mama’s Love is expected to play a big part in getting a lot of new faces out to the estate. Shearon expressed said he hopes that once people visit the venue, they’ll keep coming back for the experience.
“It’s the environment that makes the place. Not to say that the bands don’t bring the crowds, but the venue is just so special,” Shearon said. “We know they’ll just keep coming back to hear any music.”
Ashford Manor concerts work for student schedules because the shows start early, allowing plenty of time to get back to Athens at a decent hour for school the next morning, or to finish the night at the bars if they choose.
A unique option the theater offers concert-goers is one that any broke college kid can appreciate — the ability to bring-your-own blankets, lawn chairs, food and alcohol (assuming, of course, that the attendee is of age). If packing a cooler is still too much trouble, Ashford Manor has partnered up with some local eateries like Mirko Pasta and Barberitos that cater to the event.
Orders can be placed online at www.amconcerts.com until 2 p.m. on the day of the show. Upon arrival, all orders can be retrieved at tables inside the venue.
“We don’t really have outdoor concerts in Athens. [Ashford Manor] is only 15 minutes away. It’s beautiful. Bring your own beer and go dance on the lawn,” Lexi Irvin, a third-year in the Music Business Program who has been volunteering at the Ashford Manor shows all summer, said.
Mama’s Love will be playing tonight for Ashford Manor’s “Concert on the Lawn” series.
“It’s a great landscape, a beautiful place. [There are] always great families and friends; it should be a good time,” Thomas Galloway, lead vocalist of Mama’s Love, said.
