Boating, fishing, shopping and outdoor family fun are words synonymous with the Midwestern playground, Lake of the Ozarks. But it's also increasingly being known for its live entertainment.
This summer, a number of nationally known artists will perform for residents and visitors at some of the Lake of the Ozarks area's largest venues, starting with some heavy hitters in the music scene Memorial Day weekend.
H. Toad's at Camden on the Lake Resort, Lake Ozark
During Memorial Day weekend, H. Toad's hosts Contagious, dubbed one of the best party bands in the Midwest, for three consecutive nights on its outdoor stage, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton
This summer, the Ozarks Amphitheater has more in store for music lovers as it kicks off its second annual concert series Memorial Day weekend with a show headlined by Grammy-nominated recording artist Aaron Lewis on Sunday.
Lewis will kick off Ozarks Amphitheater's summer concert series with a special appearance by the Army National Guard. Doors open at 6 p.m. ChristiAna, a combat veteran and the Army's 2013 Operation Star winner, will open the show at 8 p.m.
On June 11, one of the most influential bands of the '90s, the Gin Blossoms, and their signature "jangle pop" sound will be on full display. The amphitheater hosts two of country music's biggest names in July and August: the Country Music Award-winning Eli Young Band on July 23, and nationally renowned Parmalee bring their North Carolina-based Southern country-rock music to the Ozarks stage on Aug. 6.
The 2016 summer series hits a crescendo as the legendary "Motor City Madman" Ted Nugent and special guests Head East wrap up the party on Aug. 12, the release said.
Picklehead's Road House, Sunrise Beach
Picklehead's Road House is one of the Lake of the Ozarks' newest music venues and immediately put its stamp on the local music scene last year.
Picklehead's summer season gets underway with a jam-packed Memorial Day weekend as the venue hosts Members Only on Friday, a double-bill featuring Madd Hoss Jackson followed by Blackberry Smoke on Saturday, and Drew Baldridge on Sunday. The all-ages shows begin at 8 p.m.
In mid-June, the MidCoast Bikefest rolls into town. This weekend will be packed with custom motorcycles, contests and live music, including Shannon Curfman of Kid Rock, as well as Jefferson City heavyweights Shaman's Harvest on June 17. On June 18, attendees watch Adairs Run followed by the Bellamy Brothers. The weekend will also feature several special guests, including emcee "Goat," as well as bartenders from the famous Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota, the CVB news release said.
To celebrate the Fourth of July, Picklehead's will host two double-bills on July 1 and July 2. Lenny Cooper and Colt Ford will entertain audiences on July 2, and on July 3 Brushville and Backroad Anthem close out the weekend with a free, all-ages show.
For aficionados of one of America's most beloved musical genres, the blues, Picklehead's will be the place to be on July 23. The 2016 Blues Festival features the Norman Jackson Band, Steve Smith and the Sneakers, E.D. Anderson, Steepwater Band and Davy Knowles. Music begins at 1 p.m.
Shawnee Bluff Vineyard, Eldon
Shawnee Bluff Vineyard is situated on 40 scenic acres of rolling pastures lined with rows of grapevines, and features some of the area's best wines. However, during the summer months, many also flock to the vineyard for its music.
The 2016 summer series features the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Country music sweetheart Lorrie Morgan graces the stage on July 15. Multi-award-winning country star Mickey Gilley plays his famous hits on Aug. 19, and the legendary Charlie Daniels Band returns to the Vineyard on Aug. 26. The summer series concludes with two shows in September, featuring the raucous rockabilly sounds of Reverend Horton Heat on Sept. 10 and the sweet harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys on Sept. 23.