Many childhood memories come flooding back to me as we approach this time of year. At night when the sky is filled with stars that light it up like the 4^th of July, I think back to my parents loading us three girls up in the back of their station wagon and heading for Southside Plaza Drive-In to watch a movie or to the Carillon’s outdoor amphitheater to listen to local bands or to see a play. There’s nothing like being outdoors during a summer evening.

I’m glad to see the tradition of holding outdoor events hasn’t gone by the wayside like so many things of my past.  Pocahontas State Park has recently announced its lineup for this season's outdoor concert series, Pocahontas Premieres. This year’s series will highlight a mixture of blues, rock, classical and even an appearance by the king himself, Elvis. 

The series kicks off on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 7 p.m. with the legendary band The Embers Band who over the past decade has been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul. This type of music became the foundation and essence of soul music and the Motown sound, but in southern states this music is known as Beach Music.

On Saturday, May 26, 2012 enjoy an evening of jazz varieties and big band favorites performed by the United States 380^th Army Reserve Band at 6 p.m. The 380^th Army Band is an Army Reserve unit located in Richmond whose mission is to provide military and musical support to the efforts of the United States Army. Admission is FREE. A $5 parking fee applies.

The 380^th Army Band's mission is to provide military and musical support to the efforts of the United States Army.

The Premieres concert series is affordable. Tickets are $10 each the day of the show including a $5 parking fee. But if you plan in advance to attend, purchase your tickets for only $10 and the parking fee is FREE! Season tickets are $45 with free parking. Food and drinks are available for sale. Beer and wine also are available at some shows courtesy of River City Blues Society (I.D. required).

So bring your lawn chairs and enjoy warm summer sunsets with great music. Why not make an entire weekend of it.  Stay at one of the 129 campsites at the park’s two beautiful campgrounds. If tent or RV camping is not your thing, try a night in one of their camp cabins. For concert and ticket information, click here, or call the park office at 804-796-4255. For camping reservations, click here or call 1-800-933-7275.

The Heritage Amphitheater is located in the park in Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate 95, Route 288 and Route 360. See below for detailed directions.

Drive Time:Northern Virginia, two hours; Richmond, half an hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two hours; Roanoke, three hours.