After a five-year hiatus, one of our favorite local warm-season entertainment series, UNC Asheville’s Concerts on the Quad, will return this summer.

The concerts ended in 2010 following a 28-year run canceled because of a lack of funding.

Fortunately, support from Mission Health and the Asheville Citizen-Times will allow the series to return with free concerts from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 15, 22, 29 and July 6 and 13. 

The bands will perform on a stage just in front of the steps of UNCA’s Ramsey Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy on the lawn. 

The lineup will feature local and regional bands, focusing on fun and diverse music. Genres showcased will include gypsy-folk, bluegrass, blues and Native American music.

The June 15 launch will feature Asheville’s own Sirius.B, an “absurdist-gypsy-folk-funk-punk” group formed in 2006.

Other headliners will include Stephaniesid, Ulali and Chatham County Line.

UNCA Chancellor Mary K. Grant said of the series, “These concerts bring people together in the heart of our beautiful campus, and UNC Asheville is excited to be able to present them again, together with our great community partners.”

We agree with Grant’s assessment and are thrilled about the return of what has been a joyful summer celebration for the community.