The Rock River Gypsies kick off the 2011 Fridays After Five concert series Friday, April 15. PUBLICITY PHOTO

It isn't summer until the annual Fridays After Five concert series, presented by Bud Light and a plethora of local sponsors, kicks off the season. With an approximately five-month run, from April 15 to September 9, the free concert series features local favorites and regional performers each Friday, providing Charlottesville with a chance to start the weekend with a bang of live music. The series is a local favorite, heralding warm-weather nights and laid-back attitudes that are sorely missed when the snow is flying. Starr Hill has announced the first half of the 2011 season's line-up, beginning with the Rock River Gypsies Friday, April 15. As always, doors open at 5pm, and the show starts around 5:30.

April 15 :: Rock River Gypsies (Bluegrass Rock n' Roll)

April 22 :: The English Channel (British Invasion Rock)

April 29 :: Teddy and the Roosevelts (Original Analog Rock and Roll)

May 6 :: Secret Sauce (Funky Jazz Rock James)

May 13 :: Gladstones (Classic Rock Done Right)

May 20 :: Downbeat Project (American Roots and Soul)

May 27 :: Soul Transit Authority (Golden Hits of Soul)

June 3 :: Love Canon (Low Fat. Bluegrass. Eighties.)

June 10 :: Beleza (Funkalicious Samba Soul)

June 17 :: Carbon Jam (Classic Rock, Reggae & Blues)

June 24 :: Corey Harris (Rasta Blues Experience)