Sweet sounds at Biltmore

Great music at the South's most famous housewhat more could you ask for?

Nothing could be finer than a summer evening spent in the North Carolina mountains-more specifically, on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, enjoying one of their Summer Evening Concerts.

The musical events take place each August on the expansive South Terrace alongside the palatial Biltmore House. The sound stage occupies the far end of the terrace, and white folding chairs fill the lawn. A covered concession stand serves hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches, and light dinner fare, along with beverages, featuring Biltmore wines produced on the estate. (Be sure to tour their winery on your next visit.)

Before the performance, people take in the elegant setting, stroll around the lush gardens surrounding the magnificent estate, and feel a sense of excitement as the orchestra tunes up. Couples stand hand in hand, watching the sun melt into the Blue Ridge Mountains in the western sky. Once the music begins, the concertgoers sway in chairs and slow dance on the lawn.

Mother Nature usually adds a refreshing breeze to complement the glorious gardens. As the Carolina sky darkens over the rolling hills in the distance, the stars come out and shine bright and beautiful.

Biltmore's 2002 Summer Evening Concerts take place every weekend in August. Reservations are required; you'll need to call early, as many of the shows will sell out. Scheduled performers include Bruce Hornsby, August 2; Randy Newman, August 17; and Patty Loveless, August 24. General admission varies from $25 to $45 per person (reserved seating is available at additional cost for most concerts).

Encore: This isn't the only month you can enjoy Biltmore set to music. Coming up in September will be Michaelmas: An English Harvest Fair & Jazz Harvest Weekends, from September 28 to October 27. For information on other performers and dates, call Biltmore at 1-800-5432961, or visit www.biltmore.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved