Cape Fear Botanical Garden presents the band, Tropic Orchestra, performing Latin tunes on Friday, June 27 from 6 pm – 8:30 pm. Gates open at 6 pm and live entertainment begins at 7 pm.

“This is our third year of offering our spring concert series in the garden,” said Meg Suraci, director of marketing at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. “We love to have the concerts outside and we have had a terrific response from the community.” Suraci added that this is the fourth and final concert of the series. In the fall there will be a concert series featuring the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

Tropic Orchestra is no stranger to the area, having played in cities throughout North Carolina. Come ready to dance to the salsa beat as lead performer Ricardo Diquez and the band serenade the crowd with spicy Latin music. The band includes a host of veteran musicians from the United States, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Venezuela.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden has enjoyed a growth spurt in the past few years and has significantly expanded the types of events that it hosts. In addition to concerts, the garden has played host to Shakespeare in the Garden, offered several adult- and child-friendly classes and workshops and opened the grounds for events like Heritage Day and plant sales. This is in addition to hosting corporate and private events.

“We opened the Wyatt Visitor’s Center in April 2011,” said Suraci. “By opening this brand new building, it gave us the opportunity to expand our programming and that includes the cultural programming in bringing music to the garden.” Suraci added that they learned through the APGA, American Public Garden Association, that while people enjoy the gardening environment, not everyone is interested in becoming a gardener. By offering cultural events it attracts people who would not come otherwise.

Started in 1989, Cape Fear Botanical Garden rests between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek. It is just two miles from downtown Fayetteville and includes a river trail with water views. Tours are available, or just relax on the patio overlooking the Cypress Pond. There is also a gift shop with nature related items and artwork from local artists.

Ticket cost is $10 for members with membership card, $15 for non-members, $5 for kids over ten years old, and children under ten have free admission. Chair rentals are $2.

“We are hoping that everyone will come out and enjoy the music and have a festive evening,” said Suraci. “This is a fantastic family friendly event where kids can come and run and play on the lawn.” Suraci added that everyone can bring their lawn chair or blanket.

In case of inclement weather the concert will be moved indoors. No outside food, beverages, coolers, or pets will be permitted. Food, wine, beverages, and beer will be available for purchase. Pierro’s Italian Restaurant will provide food for purchase. For more information call 486-0221.