Free concerts coming to Neosho’s Big Spring Park

Neosho Arts Council is kicking off their Big Spring Park Free Concert Series on Tuesday April 16 with a live performance by jazz and blues guitarist Asher Perkins in Neosho’s historic Big Spring Park.

“We think this will be a concert a lot of people will enjoy, plus they will recognize songs or influences for Asher’s original works,” explained Sarah Serio, president of Neosho Arts Council. “He draws on everything from The Beatles to Nat King Cole and beyond.”

Perkins also draws from influences such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Duke Ellington, Earth Wind & Fire, Billie Holiday, and others to write new songs and revamp old standards. He holds a master’s degree in jazz music and performs regularly across northwest Arkansas.

“One of the great parts of this whole series of concerts is that they will be taking place on Big Spring Park’s historic Grecian stage which was built in 1928,” Serio added. There’s also a playground and a wheelchair accessible swing set in the park making the setting great for families.

“The concert is ideal for picking up a meal to-go at one of our downtown restaurants and enjoying a picnic in the park with live music,” Serio said. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket with them.

The performance will begin at 6:30pm on the south side of Big Spring Park (309 W. Spring Street) in Neosho. In case of rain the performance will move indoors at the Neosho Newton County Library.

The arts organization has two more concerts planned for this series including a performance by the smooth pop and dynamic folk group, One Penny Shy on May 9. The series will conclude June 21 with a celebration of Make Music Day 2024 with the award winning duo Common Roots performing a mix of soft rock and acoustic folk.

You can learn more about each performance by visiting neoshoarts.net.