Summer means time should be spent outdoors. Though classes have begun, summer in Georgia still in full swing and end-of-summer events are taking place — such as the Sunflower Music Series at the Botanical Gardens.

“It’s a great event,” Connie Cottingham, the Public Relations and Special Events coordinator for the Botanical Gardens, said. “[Attendees] can watch the show, and then if they want, can wander around and visit neighboring gardens.”

The series began in the summer of 2001 and has become quite a tradition for the Athens community.

“Hearing high-quality live music wafting through the garden as the sun sets and the stars come out — it’s a pretty special combination,” the event’s founder and Director of Facility and Visitor Services, William Tonks, said.

The series is comprised of three concerts, all held in the new Flower Garden. The concerts reflect a broad spectrum of music. The acts include bands representing Latin jazz, Afro-Carribbean jazz, Reggae, folk rock and more.

“The focus was to reflect diversity and strong artistry of music clubs in Athens,” Tonks said.

“We have our last show later on in the summer so that University students are able to attend,” Cottingham said. Grogus, a 14-member salsa/Afro-Caribbean band will play this evening for the Sunflower Music Series’ last concert. The band draws influence from Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk and Tito Puentes, amongst others, to create their unique sound.

“Grogus is one of our best shows. They really get people up and dancing,” Cottingham said.

Grogus is no newcomer to the Athens music scene. They’ve played for the Human Rights Festival and AthFest and were honored in 2005 with Flagpole’s Best Jazz Band award.

“Music is the gift we have and we have a responsibility to share. It feels good,” Carl Lindberg, the founder, producer, and director of Grogus, said.