Spring 2025 Gigs in the Garden concert lineup

Gigs in the Garden, a free outdoor concert series, returns for three Sundays in May with a varied lineup of Ozarks performers in the beautiful setting of the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

This year’s dates and performers are:

  • 2 p.m., Sunday, May 4: Johnnie Angelia King & Blues Connection showcase the Springfield singer and performer’s powerful vocals in rhythm and blues.
  • 2 p.m., Sunday, May 11: Sisters Maddi Warren and Alli Butler, influenced by their Stone County roots, have a sound described as gritty, mountain and soulful.
  • 2 p.m., Sunday, May 18: Three national dulcimer champs – Joe Collins, Ilace Mears and David Wilson – will bring some friends, too, for traditional folk and Celtic music.

The Springfield Sister Cities Association hosts the free concerts at the Peace Through People Pavilion in the park’s Kay Cummins Finnie Memorial Dogwood Garden, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. In case of rain, the shows will be moved into the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.

Food trucks will be onsite, along with beer and wine for sale. Organizers encourage a suggested donation of $10; this year’s proceeds are designated for universal access enhancements at the park.

A new feature this year will include a kids’ make-and-take activity tent, with a special craft planned for Mother’s Day on May 11.

On Sunday, May 18, the SSCA also will hold its annual Membership Celebration from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with cultural performers, food and drink reflecting Springfield’s Japanese and Mexican sister cities. Anyone can attend; SSCA members, including those who join that day, receive tickets for free food and beverages.

This spring and fall concert series, now in its 10th year, is organized by Ric Mayer and Linda Chorice. This year’s presenting sponsor is the Musgrave Foundation. The Gold Sponsor is Mediacom and the series also is supported by Tom Finnie, donor for the Dogwood Garden and the Peace Through People Pavilion. SSCA partners with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, the Springfield Botanical Gardens and Friends of the Garden to produce the annual series.