It’s been a long, hot summer. Thankfully there has been plenty to do around town and the fall looks just as busy. As the Fayetteville Museum of Art finishes up its concert season, Fayetteville After 5, we can all relax and enjoy the music of Chairmen of the Board as we bid summer goodbye.

The weather is cooling off, (if only by the tiniest fraction of a degree) and what better way to send off the dog days of summer?

“This will be the grande fi nale for the 2010 concert series,” said Mac Healy, FMoA president. “We have enjoyed presenting the performing arts concerts for thousands of spectators to relax in the atmosphere of the park and take in the sights and sounds of each performance.”

In addition to the great tunes, the Ford Fiesta Little Big Tour will join the crowd with big giveaway promotions and fun activities for everyone. There will be two 2011 Ford Fiestas on static display, lots of giveaways, the chance to win a $500 Apple gift card, interactive activities/games — one of which will give participants the chance to win a $500 Best Buy gift card and the chance to win a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The winner will be chosen at the end of the tour.

There will be the usual vendors and activities and, of course, the performers — The Chairmen of the Board.

The Chairmen of the Board are no strangers to Fayetteville. They’ve graced the stage at Festival Park (and before that at the Fayetteville Museum of Art) for years performing at Fayetteville After Five concerts.

“Nearly forty years after crashing onto the pop and soul charts with the hit “Give

Me Just A Little More Time,” the Chairmen of the Board continue to satisfy their audience,” said Healy.

Based out of Charlotte, this band performs that distinctive and flavorful Carolina beach music that the local community has come to love. With an award winning play list of songs like “Want Ads,” “Somebody’s Been Sleeping,” “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show,” “If You Dance To The Music,” “You Pay To The Piper,” “Bring The Boys Home,” “Stick Up” and “Patches,” the Chairmen of the Board are real crowd pleasers who will have you dancing on the promenade and in the grass at Festival Park.

This is the 13th season for Fayetteville After 5. The proceeds directly benefi t the Fayetteville Museum of Art, which had to close its doors on May 31. There is still hope that the museum will reopen in the future, which makes this event not only a good time, but also an easy way to support a great cause.

“It has been a privilege to work with our generous sponsors,” said Meredith Player Stiehl, concert coordinator. “Their meaningful contributions support the Museum and at the same time allows for these events to be free to the public.”

Come on down to Festival Park on the evening of Sept. 16. The park opens around 5:30 p.m. There will be food and beverage vendors. It’s free. To find out more, call 485-5121.