The outdoor music scene has received new life this spring, following the pandemic-related cancellations over the past two years. Outdoor venues like the Fruit Yard and Ironstone are set to bring a variety of artists to our very own backyard. Get ready to throw those hands in the air and enjoy some entertainment in the 209.

Billy Cohen with Richter Entertainment Group has been booking shows for Ironstone since 2005, and Fruit Yard since opening in 2018. He has been in the entertainment business for over 30 years.

“Honestly, at the Fruit Yard we had a great little season last year,” said Cohen. “We have a bunch of terrific shows scheduled for this year. I’ve got to say it is fun putting shows on at the Fruit Yard, people really love going there. A bunch of these shows are going to sell out.”

The Fruit Yard Amphitheater will kick off the outdoor concert season with Midland on April 8 and then Lee Brice with a special guest on April 29.

“It would be impossible for me to predict just exactly how many shows are going to happen and when the season will end,” added Cohen. “I think a few more shows will pop out at the Fruit Yard and due to our weather, it could go well into October. We did last year. That is the beauty of being in Modesto, we can do outdoor shows in spring and well into the fall. Everybody should keep their eyes open and see what all transpires there.”

The Fruit Yard accommodates approximately 4,500 people with an intimate experience for those in seats or on the lawn.

The country stars are sure to pack the house at the Fruit Yard in May. Brett Young will hit the outdoor stage on May 7 with special guest Matt Ferrant. Trace Adkins with special guest Craig Morgan will perform on May 14, and Riley Green will make his way to the stage on May 28 with a special guest.

Chris Young will bring his Famous Friends Tour to the Fruit Yard on July 8.

Ironstone Amphitheatre is in Murphys and has a capacity of about 7,000 people including seats and the lawn.

“I am not sure what we will end up with at Ironstone, but we have a bunch of things on the bubble but, again, because of it being such a different season it has just been a little bit trickier to get things confirmed up there,” said Cohen. “It is a bigger place and a destination place; you really need to get the right thing at the right time to make it work. We don’t have as many shows up there right now confirmed. We are going to get a few more but I am not exactly sure what that season is going to look like.”

Slightly Stoopid with special guests Pepper, Common Kings and Fortunate Youth will hit the outdoor stage at Ironstone Amphitheatre on July 22.

“I think we are going to have a cool season at both places as usual. We are just excited to get back outside at both places because we have a great time doing shows at both places,” said Cohen.

Both venues will follow all state and county COVID guidelines in effect at the time of the outdoor events. Currently there are no masks, proof of vaccination or tests required to attend the outdoor concerts.

For more information on artists coming to the 209, visit richtergroup.net, thefruityardevents.com and ironstoneamphitheatre.net.