Grass Valley, Ca: There is nothing like the excitement of little kids exploring music for their first time—without having to sit quietly, be still, and behave. That is what the summer program, “Musical Mondays,” presented by InConcert Sierra and the Nevada County Library, is all about.
One of the great things about Musical Mondays is that it’s accessible to everyone—there’s no cost to attend, and it takes place in a beautiful, mostly shaded, outdoor amphitheater next to the Nevada County Madelyn Helling Library at the Rood Center in Nevada City.
Featuring talented local and regional professional musicians, the performances are not only entertaining but also incorporate a fun and educational touch, giving children, and plenty of adults, a chance to learn about music in a relaxed, informal setting.
“Musical Mondays are simply magic. Little ones experience live music with real instruments, and the moving and dancing proves how deeply music is rooted in the human brain. Older folks are entranced by the quality of our local musicians and get a trip down memory lane watching the kids. We are so lucky that the library and InConcert Sierra have the resources and motivation to bring this amazing series to our community,” says InConcert Sierra board member, Keith Porter.
In 2017, Jackie Wilson donated funds to the Nevada County Library to help build the amphitheater in memory of her dear friend, Dr. Marian Gallaher. She also brought together InConcert Sierra, Nevada County Library, and Friends of Nevada County Library to create Musical Mondays, ensuring a summer music program that would enthrall all ages, but mainly young minds. The program is dedicated to Jackie Wilson’s memory, recognizing her pivotal role in establishing this series. Her generous contribution continues to inspire and unite the community every summer.
A big part of what makes these mornings special is the sense of community that Jackie wanted to foster. Families and music lovers gather in the outdoor space, bringing snacks, and lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy the one-hour-long concerts.
One of the most memorable moments this past season was with harpist Sage Po, who captivated the audience by having everyone singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It may sound simple, but witnessing the untethered enthusiasm of the little kids, their eyes shining as they confidently sang a song that they knew the words to, was energizing. The magic of that moment—full of innocence and connection—almost brought many of us to tears. It was a reminder of how music can bring us together and ignite pure, unfiltered joy if we let it.
Each concert brought a new experience drawn from many different genres, from the world music of Beaucoup Chapeaux and singer Maggie McKaig’s charming kids’ songs; to polkas and sing-alongs with Papa Oom Pah Pah; to Scottish reels, jigs and more from the Mountain Road Ceilidh Band; to the classic tunes such as the “Looney Tunes Medley” and the “Novelty Foxtrot” from the River Winds quartet. Buffalo Gals sang fun songs like “Huckleberry Rag” and “Pedal Your Blues Away;” and Vocal Locals – with pianist Ken Hardin and vocalists Micah Cone and Christi Colombo performed movie and musical theater songs, including the lively paced tune “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Captain Hook’s Waltz” – both songs rarely heard in concert.
The concerts were geared for kids but enjoyable for all. The audience was exposed to a variety of instruments beyond the traditionally beloved guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, and harp. They were introduced to the accordion, banjo, bodhrán, bagpipes, mandolin, bassoon, oboe and other brass and woodwind instruments.
After each concert, kids are encouraged to visit the library to check out a book or participate in one of the library’s eclectic activities.
“After one concert, my two little grandkids had the opportunity to color a terracotta pot, fill it with potting soil, and choose an herb to plant. They selected basil and mint, which are now growing wildly in my garden! They also received a free lunch, offered for children and teenagers aged 0-18. It was a full morning and early afternoon, and they loved it!” said Julie Hardin, executive director of InConcert Sierra.
Although this season’s concerts have wrapped up, next summer will be here in no time, and with new changes. Due to scheduling adjustments, Musical Mondays will move to Wednesdays and be renamed “Musical Mornings” on Whimsical Wednesdays, beginning June 24, 2026, with a fun theme song to learn. The series will run weekly through August 5, 2026.
Overall, Musical Mondays, now “Musical Mornings,” is a wonderful way to enjoy summer mornings, spend quality time outdoors, and connect with others—all while experiencing live music in a joyful, family-friendly setting. It’s a tradition rooted in community, memory, and the timeless power of music.
For more information visit inconcertsierra.org or nevadacountyca.gov/calendar