Airlie Gardens summer concert series: Under the BAO

Airlie Gardens, with its acres of natural beauty, is one of Wilmington’s great treasures. And its finest feature is the magnificent Airlie Oak, a tree that sprouted the same year Michelangelo became the chief architect of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Each summer Airlie hosts a series of concerts as crowds gather around the “Big Ass Oak” and listen to jazz, beach music, and light rock and roll. Lots of wine and cheese and beer and fried chicken are consumed as guests settle into their beach chairs while the sun slowly sets and kids play tag and soccer. It’s a fabulous setting.

Concerts begin May 2 and run every other Friday from then until mid-October. For ticket information call 798-7700.