Key West Band opens Third Thursday concert season

Culpeper Renaissance Inc. launches the 2009 Third Thursday Summer Concert Series this week with Caribbean music ala Key West, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band from Roanoke.

“This first band is going to be so much fun,” said Missy Vesuna, CRI special events coordinator.

Voted No. 1 party band by The Roanoke Times, Key West has opened for national acts like The Drifters, The Coasters, and Jan and Dean.

Prepare to hear and enjoy a large supply of Buffett covers Thursday night in Culpeper along with Reggae beats, Creole and Latin-inspired tunes. In fact, buffettworld.com names Key West one of America’s first tribute bands catering to “Parrotheads” in numerous states.

The high-energy band also does cruises and has several albums out. Check out keywestband.com for more information.

Otherwise, pack up your picnic, lawn chair and family and head down to the Depot in downtown Culpeper to celebrate summer with neighbors and friends. Hawaiian shirts and island wear optional.

Please, no pets or coolers.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the concert, and everyone younger than 21 gets in free. Admission for 21 and older is $7 at the gate or $5 in advance.

CRI is offering something new for the kids this year as well, Vesuna said — look for a moonbounce and games in the parking lot at Commerce and East Davis.

“We want a family-friendly event,” she said, noting that Third Thursday is a great entertainment value for the whole family. “We want to highlight the ‘staycation’ kind of thing.”

For the first time, buy a season pass to all four Third Thursday Concerts for $15.

Check out the 10 percent discount coupon on the back of each ticket, useable at more than a dozen downtown shops.

Key West in Culpeper
CRI launches the 2009 Third Thursday Summer Concert Series this Thursday at 5 p.m. with lively beach music at the Depot on Commerce Street. Admission is $7 at the door, $5 in advance; buy advance tickets at The Museum of Culpeper History, Pepperberries, StellarOne locations or the CRI office on West Davis Street. Get a season ticket for all four concerts for $15. Call (540) 825-4416 for info.