With the January snowfall serving as a reminder that winter is upon us, Yorktown’s Cabin Fever Concert Series offers a respite from the cold as it returns for its 10th year of free entertainment beginning Thursday.
“We were just trying to get folks out of the house,” said Kevin Ritchie, York County Parks, Recreation and Tourism event planner. “We’re excited about expanding it.”
The latest iteration of the series doubles the lineup from three to six bands spanning as many weeks.
“We offer a variety of music, everything from jazz to bluegrass to swing,” Ritchie said. “It’s a great lineup.”
Alongside the expanded scope, the series maintains its tried and true venue inside the Freight Shed at Riverwalk Landing.
“You don’t have to worry about the weather,” Ritchie said. “It’s kind of an intimate setting.”
The bands generally reflect that, as they’re mostly duos and trios rather than larger ensembles. The smaller venue also allows the audience to easily interact with the artists.
The series kicks off Thursday with the three-piece HM Johnson Band, which covers the likes of B.B. King, David Bowie and James Brown in addition to original pieces spanning funk, pop, rock and more. The band previously played the concert series several years ago.
“We just enjoyed the atmosphere, the venue,” said Carlton Lillard, the band’s bassist; he also sings alongside his bandmates. “It’s a listening crowd and that’s what we really appreciate.”
The band also avoids using pre-recorded material during sets, something Lillard said helps the music sound like the product of a larger group.
Other artists heating up the freight shed during the series include the Flatland Bluegrass Band and the bluesy Ron Fetner Trio. The duo of Kim Person and Lana Puckett will perform country, folk and more using their blend of acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies.
Little Bit of Swing will encourage the audience to sing along as its musicians cover pop, rock and roll and the big band music of the 1930s through the 1960s. The series concludes with the Jennifer Gammill Jazz Band on March 1.
The musicians tend to be natives of Yorktown and other nearby localities, something Ritchie said adds another interesting layer to the events. He also hopes the concerts encourage visitors to check out nearby restaurants and shops while they’re out on the town.
“We’ve had cold nights and people still come out,” Ritchie said. “Folks really enjoy it.”
The full lineup
Thursday: HM Johnson Band
Feb. 1: Flatland Bluegrass Band
Feb. 8: Ron Fetner Trio
Feb. 15: Kim Person and Lana Puckett
Feb. 22: Little Bit of Swing
March 1: The Jennifer Gammill Jazz Band
Want to go?
The Cabin Fever Concerts Series runs 7 p.m. each Thursday through March 1 inside the Freight Shed at Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water St., Yorktown. Admission is free; seating is first come, first served. Parking is available across the street in the Water Street Parking Terrace. For more information, visit bit.ly/2n4ZHp6.
