You can literally feel it in the air. Trees are getting greener. Sleeves are getting shorter. The weather is changing, and that means the summer concert season is right around the corner.

This year, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts has worked to build another strong late spring/early summer schedule with performances that span multiple genres and artistic disciplines. You may not picture an indoor event when you picture a summer concert, but we’re hosting plenty of reasons for you to step through our beautiful brass doors and spend the evening with us. 

We’ve curated a few standout events for your consideration, but we encourage you to keep up with our full calendar by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram. Additionally, you can learn about events not spotlighted here—like Fortune Feimster and Brit Floyd—at KirbyCenter.org.

NEPA Native Louis Fouché Returns to Wilkes-Barre

You’ve probably seen Louis Fouché perform on national television as part of The Late Show Band, but the accomplished saxophonist spent most of his youth in Northeast Pennsylvania attending Crestwood High School and Wyoming Seminary. In fact, he can count the first-ever Crestwood High School Distinguished Alumni Award among his accolades, alongside a Peabody Award and numerous credits in Emmy and Grammy-winning productions. 

On May 13, Fouché will perform to a hometown crowd as part of the Kirby Center’s Chandelier Concert Series. If you’re a fan of jazz or NEPA success stories, this one is for you.

Experience the Jaw-Dropping Illusions of Bill Blagg

The Geisinger Signature Series has showcased several world-class performances—all with a $10 per ticket price tag in order to invite as many people as possible to experience the arts. As the last entry in this season’s Signature Series, The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! brings an exciting evening of magic and illusion to the Kirby Center stage. On May 16, see a seasoned magician and illusionist perform live for less than a night at the movies. 

Soulful Country Singer/Songwriter Larry Fleet

Sometimes, you just have to let talent speak for itself. Larry Fleet may carry himself with a humble demeanor, but that’s because his catchy hooks and soulful singing voice say everything that needs to be said. This guy is the real deal, and with critical acclaim and an enthusiastic endorsement from fellow country act Jake Owen, Fleet seems poised to ride a steadily rising star that should carry him for years to come.

Country is synonymous with the summer concert season, and we’re proud to host an artist who deftly bridges the gap between classic country and modern songwriting. Experience his signature style Saturday, May 27. 

Grammy-Winning Country Star, Ricky Skaggs

If the foundation of your music taste is surrounded by well-manicured bluegrass, Ricky Skaggs is already a household name. However, if you’ve yet to experience Skaggs and his mandolin, we have good news: they’ll both be here live, Friday, June 9 alongside the band Kentucky Thunder.

Over the course of his 50-year career, Skaggs has won 15 Grammy Awards, as well as multiple genre awards in country and bluegrass. He’s one of the most accomplished musicians to grace our stage, and we invite you to experience an amazing performance. 

Legendary Heart Singer, Annie Wilson, Comes to Town

The impact Ann Wilson had on a generation of music lovers can’t be quantified. As the lead vocalist of Heart, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member helped blaze a path for women in hard rock while showcasing her range when the group hopped between genres. It didn’t matter if you were into folk, glam, or metal—Heart had something for you, and Ann is bringing that same eclectic spirit with her to the Kirby Center.

Joining Ann and Tripsitter, a group of session musicians who come along with their own long lists of accomplishments. This July 12, rock fans are in for a treat.

There are exciting things happening in NEPA, and whether it’s celebrating the success of one of our own or bringing a prolific bluegrass legend to the area, the Kirby Center is proud to serve the artistic and cultural needs of our community. As spring gives way to summer and leisure becomes a priority, we invite you to see a show in our historic building—and we plan to continue booking a calendar full of reasons you should.