AMPED in the Park: A Summer Series Recap
- wheelersir
- Oct 4
- 4 min read
This summer, VVS Events had the pleasure of partnering with Howard Hughes and the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center to bring the Merriweather District community an unforgettable experience: the AMPED in the Park series. The goal was simple—create a vibrant, engaging, and free concert series that brought people together. From the first chord in June to the final note in September, Color Burst Park transformed into a hub of music, creativity, and community spirit.
The six-part series was designed to offer something for everyone. Each event featured a unique musical act, a variety of hands-on crafts, classic lawn games, and delicious local refreshments. It was a perfect way for friends, families, and couples to spend a beautiful evening outdoors, enjoying the best of what the local arts scene has to offer. Let's take a look back at the moments that made this summer so special.
A Summer of Unforgettable Moments
The AMPED in the Park series was a testament to the power of live events, drawing thousands of attendees and creating a buzz that echoed throughout the community. With over 18,500 onsite impressions and more than 3,700 attendees across six dates, the series was a resounding success. The positive energy was palpable, and the feedback from guests highlighted the community's enthusiasm for well-organized, engaging experiences.
June 12th: Kicking Off with The Jogo Project
The series started strong with an electrifying performance by The Jogo Project. Over 1,000 attendees gathered as the band filled the park with energy. Guests stayed cool with branded fans and water bottles while getting creative at the leather bracelet stamping station. The Charmery's ice cream cart and GameOn's outdoor bar kept everyone refreshed, setting a high bar for the events to come.
June 26th: Grooving with Sons of Mystro
Next up, the violin duo Sons of Mystro captivated an audience of 800 with their unique blend of classical and reggae. This evening featured two bar options from GameOn and Medium Rare, which meant shorter lines and more choices for attendees. The DIY vinyl record coaster craft was a massive hit, and the face painter brought smiles to kids and adults alike.
July 24th: Dancing to Las Karamba
In late July, the park came alive with the infectious Hispanic beats of Las Karamba. Their powerful voices had the crowd of 500 on their feet and dancing. Attendees crafted their own wine stoppers and bottle openers, while glitter tattoos added a touch of sparkle to the evening. The event showcased the community's love for diverse musical acts and interactive fun.
August 7th: Smooth Jazz with New Jazz Underground
Despite sharing the evening with a nearby Luke Bryant concert, New Jazz Underground drew an impressive crowd of 600. The band's smooth jazz sounds created a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. The DIY vinyl record coaster craft made a popular return, and guests enjoyed scoops from The Charmery while playing lawn games under the stars.
August 21st: An Electric Night with Zar Eletrik
Zar Eletrik brought a unique and energetic vibe to the park, performing for a crowd of 350. Portable fans and light-up swag were popular giveaways, perfect for the late summer evening. The craft station offered leather bracelet and bookmark imprinting, while glitter tattoos and classic lawn games kept the good times rolling.
September 4th: A Grand Finale with Better Off Dead
The series concluded on September 4th with a memorable performance by Better Off Dead. The band's classic tunes were the perfect soundtrack for a cool evening. This finale brought back all the fan-favorite crafts, including leather bracelets, beadable wine stoppers, and vinyl coasters. The band’s merch tent even featured a tie-dye station, allowing the 450 attendees to create their own unique souvenirs to remember the night.
More Than Just a Concert
What made AMPED in the Park so special were the layers of activity and engagement. Each event was a complete experience.
Live Music: The diverse lineup of bands, from jazz to world music, ensured there was a new sound to discover at every event.
DIY Crafts: Guests loved the hands-on activities. Popular crafts included stamping leather bracelets, creating personalized bookmarks, designing beadable wine stoppers, and crafting unique vinyl record coasters.
Fun for All Ages: Classic lawn games like Jenga, Corn Hole, and Connect Four sparked friendly competition, while face painting and glitter tattoos were a hit with younger attendees.
Local Flavor: Refreshments from local favorites like The Charmery, GameOn, and Medium Rare provided delicious treats and drinks, supporting local businesses and enhancing the community feel.
What the Community Had to Say
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Guests loved the blend of music, activities, and relaxed atmosphere. Here are a few things people shared:
"This was such a perfect family day out! The music was fantastic, the kids loved their glitter tattoos, and I even got to make my own bracelet. So much fun, all in one place!"
"I really enjoyed the DIY vinyl record coaster craft – such a cool and unique idea! It was a great way to spend a Thursday night with friends, good music, and delicious ice cream."
"The band was awesome, but what really made the night for me were all the little details. The light-up necklaces were so much fun, and I got to walk away with a custom leather bracelet. It was great that there was so much to do besides just listen to the music."
Let's Create Your Next Unforgettable Event
The success of the AMPED in the Park series demonstrates the incredible impact of thoughtfully planned community events. They build connections, create lasting memories, and bring brands to life in a tangible way.
Are you looking to drive engagement and create a buzz for your property or brand? VVS Events specializes in producing seamless, turnkey event solutions that deliver results. Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started? Contact us today!
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