WORDS / ELLEN GIBSON

Hidden in the North Forest of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a musical event set to bring magic into the summer. Traveling bands from across the country will grace the stage hidden among the trees. Delicious food, family fun activities, and music to make visitors to dance will soon fill the air in Bentonville.

The Forest Concert Series is a musical event that Crystal Bridges began in summer 2018. Thanks to its popularity among Northwest Arkansas residents, the museum is once again bringing us a jewel of an event. From hip-hop, reggae, roots, indie, bluegrass, funk, and psychedelic jam, there is sure to be a concert for every music lover to enjoy. Musicians such as Yarn, The Werks with Spaceberry Festival, or Latin Grammy winning all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache will perform every Saturday evening from June 1 to July 27.

Aside from the concerts, guests are encouraged to visit the Color Field exhibition beforehand to view the artworks of talented artists and the soundscape of Fort Smith native, Amos Cochran. Take a walk along the grounds or view the galleries inside the museum before yheading over to watch the evening concert.

In addition to the surrounding art, there will be an area set aside for family fun. Spin art, wind chime making, and plein air painting are several of the activities planned for families. The finale concert of the season will be followed by a Lightning Bug hunt in the surrounding forest paths for adults and children alike.

Be sure to arrive with an appetite as High South on a Roll food truck will be set up to serve food before and during the concert. For adults, there will also be a cash bar available.

It is the hope of Sara Segerlin, curator of the Forest Concert Series, that this event will not only bring an enjoyable live music experience to the audience, but it will also draw the Northwest Arkansas community even closer together.

While some seating is provided, it fills up quickly. Bring a lawn chair, hammock, or blanket to relax on while enjoying the music and food.

The event will be held in the North Forest of Crystal Bridges. Park at the additional parking lot for the closest ticket admission entrance. More information on tickets and the official lineup for the event can be found online at https://crystalbridges.org/forest-concert-series/.