March 15, 2024 – Music in the Mountains (MIM) is excited to announce that they will be partnering with The North Star House in Grass Valley for the first time in their 43-year Summer concert history to bring their annual July 3rd concert to Nevada County.
Dreams of bringing high-quality classical music to the Nevada County community began in 1980 with a group of musicians and music lovers. MIM was formed to provide cultural enrichment and classical music performances as well as to allow musicians an outlet for their talents. Now, more than four decades later, MIM continues to thrive, recognizing the importance of collaboration in building vibrant communities.
“Music in the Mountains recognizes the significance of the term concert as a verb, indicating the coordination and mutual agreement in arranging something,” remarks Jenny Darlington-Person, Executive Director of MIM. “We collaborate with various community organizations, understanding that robust partnerships foster resilient Communities.”
MIM’s summer concert series, “SummerFest,” traditionally concludes with the “Happy Birthday USA” Pops concert on July 3rd. This year, attendees can look forward to patriotic favorites performed by the full MIM SummerFest Orchestra and Chorus including Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and an Armed Forces Salute.
The North Star House, located at 12075 Auburn Road in Grass Valley about half a mile south of the Fairgrounds, provides an idyllic setting for the outdoor concert with its beautiful house, sprawling lawn and surrounding 14 acres. The North Star House was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan over a hundred years ago as the family residence of the Foote family, and is being restored as an historic building and a community gathering center, showcasing the arts, theater, literature, and history.
“We’ve spent years restoring the North Star House, which is certainly the centerpiece of the landscape.” notes Holly Mitten, Executive Director of The North Star Historic Conservancy. “We’re excited to have MIM join us in expanding our connection to the arts and performance community. We look forward to working with MIM now and in years to come.”
Guests attending the outdoor concert are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, a bar and food concessions will be available on-site, in accordance with ABC rules.
As Music in the Mountains enters its 43rd season of SummerFest, the organization remains committed to providing classical music performances and music education to Nevada County and surrounding communities.
Music in the Mountains and the Historic North Star House are registered 501(c)3 community nonprofit organizations.
For more information about Music in the Mountains and the July 3rd concert, visit