A concept of the Richlands school complex. Contributed photo
A concept of the Richlands school complex. Contributed photo
Visit Abingdon announces the return of summer music series (copy)
Visit Abingdon has announced the return of Abingdon's summer music series with the launch of Thursday Night Jams, a free, all-ages series of outdoor concerts in the heart of downtown.
To be held once a month on every fourth Thursday from May through September, Thursday Night Jams will take place at the Abingdon Market Pavilion on 100 Remsburg Drive from 7-9:30 p.m. The series invites locals and visitors alike to gather, unwind, and enjoy an evening of live music under the summer sky.
On hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the Jams marks a meaningful moment for the Abingdon community. Long known as a central cornerstone of the town’s summer calendar, the series has historically brought people together from all walks of life, creating a shared space for connection, celebration, and a love of music.
"We know how much this music series means to our community,” said Ashli Linkous, marketing manager for Visit Abingdon. “Our summer music series was always about more than music. It was about creating a central space where the entire community could come together, see familiar faces, meet new ones, experience the joy of performing arts and the vibrancy of Abingdon. Bringing it back has been so important to us and our team has worked hard to rebuild the series from the ground up, while still honoring the original Jams."
The 2026 Thursday Night Jams lineup includes a diverse mix of musical styles and performances:
• Thursday, May 28 – Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights (A Night of ’90s Country): Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights is a party hosted by the supergroup Neon Rainbow, a collective of some of the best musicians in Tennessee. The band takes fans on a journey through all the biggest 90’s country hits.
•Thursday, June 25 – Pink Beds: From Asheville, N.C.: Pink Beds is an electro-indie rock band that sits at the intersection of spacious grooves and lush song crafting. The band comprises Aaron Aiken (Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Synths), Jackson Van Horn (Guitar, Keys, Synths), Logan Hall (Bass, Synths), and Ryan Sargent (Drums, Percussion).
• Thursday, July 23 – Scott T. Smith: Hailing from the hills of Appalachia, Scott T. Smith crafts a sound shaped by West Virginia roots and early influences ranging from doo-wop to American standards. Smith weaves folk, blues, rhythm, and Southern gospel into a style he calls folk-n-blues. Smith released his first EP, Wanted Man, in 2020, with his debut album anticipated to launch in spring 2026, as part of his opening appearances on Tyler Childers’ Snipe Hunt tour.
• Aug. 27 – The Jesse Williams Band: Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Williams, is a mountain mama with roots grounded in Blues & Soul. Hailing from North Georgia with the deep belief that it’s best savored when simmered. Her melody medicine is an invitation of sultry vocals and earthy lyrics that explore life's many winding paths. These serenades are supported with guitar grooves and rhythms that play within the feeling of the music. William's works include her 2020 debut EP, “Off the Vine," which was recorded in 2019 at InCrowd Recordings in Atlanta, GA. In 2024 she released another EP, “Take My Place," recorded in 2018 at The Vault in Marietta, GA. She released her first full-length album, “Keep Steady," in August 2025.
• Thursday, Sept. 24 – Dave Eggar Presents: Bridgerton Baroque: In celebration of VA250 and in conjunction with LibertyFest, Dave Eggar, GRAMMY-nominated cellist, presents a night of music and revelry in true Dave style, from Baroque to the Beatles. Over the past two and a half decades, Dave Eggar's earned rock star status in pop music world as first-call cellist and string arranger for superstars like Coldplay, Evanescence, John Legend, Lewis Capaldi and Bebe Rexha and Foreigner. In addition to being in great demand with jazz and pop music royalty, he has collaborated with the New York City Ballet, the Jose Limon Company, Attack Theatre, Pendulum Aerial Arts, Shen Wei Dance, San Francisco Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
“The series lineup is about more than just checking boxes across genres, it’s about delivering real quality music experiences," said Adam Bolt, Events & Marketing Coordinator for Visit Abingdon. "Even if a style isn’t what you’d normally gravitate toward, the level of musicianship will leave you in awe. Every show is thoughtfully curated to create an evening people will talk about, especially the ones who missed it. From Baroque to boot-scootin’ country and everything in between, we’re showcasing artists to discover and giving you new ways to experience the ones you already know.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in one of Abingdon’s most welcoming public spaces.
Thursday Night Jams gave special thanks to presenting sponsor Eclipse Audiovisual, who will be providing audiovisual production support for the Jams.
For more information and updates on Thursday Night Jams, visit VisitAbingdonVirginia.com or follow @VisitAbingdonVA on social media.
