Shared by Mark Herring - AmeriCorps Member, as Guest Blogger.

Belle Isle State Park's 2018 Music by the River series continues July 21 with Wayne Henderson and Friends.

Born and raised in Grayson County, Virginia, Wayne Henderson has been playing and constructing guitars since childhood. He has entertained audiences at venues around the world including the White House, Carnegie Hall, seven Asian countries, and even performed for the Queen of England when she attended the Jamestown 400th Anniversary Celebration. Visitors to Grayson Highlands State Park may have had the great fortune to see Wayne on stage and we are thrilled to be able to feature him at one of our eastern parks.

When not picking, Wayne can most likely be found in his world-class guitar shop where he makes guitars by taking "some good wood and just cut away anything that don't look like a guitar." His guitars and mandolins have been used by Eric Clapton, Brad Paisley, Norman Blake, and Doc Watson, among others. There is currently a ten-year waiting list if you want one for yourself. If that seems too long of a wait, several of his used guitars are currently for sale, starting at $15,000.

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the Belle Isle State Park picnic area. Concerts are free and parking is only $4 per car. There are ranger led games for kids, free popcorn and you can purchase sodas or water for 50 cents. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the pavilion at the Upper Lancaster Fire Department in Lively, VA. Call the park at 804-462-5030 for more information.

Music by the River is presented by the Friends of Belle Isle State Park and is supported by these local businesses and organizations.

While you're there, help support the Friends of Belle Isle by purchasing a raffle ticket or five for a paddling package valued at over $900. The package includes 10' Tribute kayak, paddle, gift card to purchase the perfect PFD, and a private kayak lesson with an American Canoe Association instructor. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20, with the drawing taking place at the August 18 concert.

If you are looking for overnight accommodations, Belle Isle offers spacious campsites with electric and water, a canoe-in campground and two overnight houses located in the Bel Air area. You can make reservations by calling the Virginia State Park Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK (7275).

Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. It has a wonderful campground, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, accessible canoe/kayak launch, as well as a launch for motor boats.