LUDLOW, Vt. – Okemo Mountain Resort kicks off summer with the return of the Jackson Gore Summer Music Series presented by Vermont Properties and Development, Inc. Free concerts are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. most Friday nights throughout the summer starting June 13. Ludlow’s own bluesman, Chris Kleeman will be this season’s first musical guest. The Chris Kleeman Band’s blues are multi-spectral, rolling from the southern styles of the Mississippi Delta, all the way up the big river to the blues of Chicago. Visit Kleeman’s website for more information or to hear samples of his music.

On Friday nights throughout the summer season, the lawn in the courtyard at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn is transformed into an outdoor concert venue featuring popular local and regional bands. Admission is free and the grounds open at 5 p.m. Families are welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. In case of rain, the concerts will move indoors. Dining options include fresh-from-the-grill burgers, hot dogs, and other summertime favorites, plus beer and wine is available for purchase. Full-service dining with an al fresco seating in the courtyard is offered at Jackson Gore’s Coleman Brook Tavern.

Following The Chris Kleeman Band on June 13, the summer lineup for the Jackson Gore Summer Music Series presented by Vermont Properties and Development, Inc. includes: Rick Redington & The Luv, June 20; The Butties, July 4; Satin & Steel, July 11; Remember September, July 18; Phil Abair Band, July 25; Dan Walker Band, Aug. 8; Tony Lee Thomas, Aug. 15; Kenny Mehler, Aug. 22; 2Adam12, Aug. 29.

Okemo’s Adventure Zone stays open late on Friday nights for concertgoers who like a little activity with their music. Visitors especially enjoy The Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster and the Haulback Challenge Course. There’s trampoline bungee jumping, miniature golf, disc golf, a climbing pinnacle, zipline tours, Segway Personal Transport tours, and the Amp Energy Big Air Bag, Okemo’s Adventure Zone is open on weekends through June and daily in July and August. Each of Okemo’s Adventure Zone features is priced individually or visitors can purchase an Adventure Zone Day Pass wristband. Special Twilight wristbands are available for purchase on Friday evenings.

In addition to the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series, Okemo will host four signature events this summer. On June 27, Okemo and Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates welcome the Vermont Symphony Orchestra to the Okemo Valley. Advance tickets are available online at okemo.com. The Resort celebrates Independence Day on July 5 with a Great American Party complete with live music, a giant water slide, midway games, and a hot-dog-eating contest. Sample more than 50 craft beers from regional brewers and a selection of great wines Aug. 1-3, as Okemo’s annual Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival grows to span three full days this year. Then on Oct. 11, Okemo’s Fall into Winter Celebration will feature live music, hayrides, and autumn-themed family activities.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, please visit okemo.com or call 802-228-1600. For dinner reservations at Coleman Brook Tavern, call 802-228-1435.