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The arrival of summer offers an opportunity for residents to escape the confines of buildings and head outdoors for entertainment. Prince George's County offers many venues that feature summer outdoor concerts that draw talent from across the spectrum.

National Harbor has already started its second Sunset Concert Series and has lined up well-known performers, including country and classic rock artists.

The series kicked off May 2 with a performance by noted Reggae group, the Wailers.

The Wailers, known as Bob Marley and the Wailers in the 1970s and ‘80s, comprise vocalist Junior Marvin, guitarist Al Anderson and pianist Earl "Wya" Lindo.

The Gin & Tonic Tour 2009, originally scheduled to visit National Harbor May 14, has been moved to June 11 due to conflicting schedules of bands the Gin Blossoms and Tonic, said National Harbor spokeswoman Rocell Viniard.

The rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket and Virginia-based folk band Eddie From Ohio are scheduled to perform today.

On May 28, Little Feat will play a mix of blues, rhythm and blues, country, New Orleans funk and rock alongside jam band Railroad Earth.

On June 11, rock band Big Head Todd & the Monsters from Colorado will perform, followed on June 18 by Zoso, a Led Zeppelin cover band.

July boasts several big acts, including country star Travis Tritt on July 18.

English progressive rock band Yes and all four original members from the band Asia are scheduled to play July 23.

July will wrap up with southern rock band Gov't Mule, formed in 1994 by Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes, Allen Woody and former Dicky Betts drummer Matt Abts.

The Derek Trucks Band, featuring jazz, rock, blues, Latin and Eastern Indian sounds, will perform Aug. 6 and country singer Jason Aldean will perform the final show of the season Aug. 8.

All shows are held outdoors in Lot G off of National Plaza Boulevard and rain dates will be scheduled if needed, Viniard said. Gates open at 6 p.m. and shows start at 6:30.

Music at the mansion

The Riversdale House Museum resumes its summer music series on the last Wednesday of each month from June through August, featuring local artists on its sprawling lawn. Guests are invited to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic meal, or buy snacks. Concerts are free and start at 7 p.m.

The Riversdale mansion, 4811 Riversdale Road, is a restored, five-part, stucco-covered brick plantation home that was built between 1801 and 1807 in both American and European styles.

Once a 2,000-acre plantation occupied by the Calvert family, Riversdale was also where the University of Maryland began.

The first concert, on June 24 will feature jazz sounds of the Sandra Y. Johnson Quintet. Johnson, 60, a Washington, D.C., resident who performed at the Riversdale House Museum last August, said she enjoyed the open atmosphere and the reaction from the crowd.

"It was a hazy day, but it was a very good crowd even with that muggy, hazy weather," she said.

The quintet, which features piano, bass, drums, saxophone and flute will be playing mostly jazz and a little rhythm and blues, Johnson said.

"The local crowds seem to like me ...people do get up and dance," Johnson said, adding that people in her age bracket relate best to the oldies she sings.

"I look forward to the audience really getting into the music sometimes and requesting a song."

The Apothecary Band, which plays original music ranging from ‘'driving rock-fusion" to jazz and classical, as well as jazz standards, is scheduled to perform July 29.

The still-blended four-piece jazz ensemble includes keyboard, guitar, drums and violin.

The District-based bare-bones blues group, MSG-The Acoustic Blues Trio, which includes instruments like the harmonica and the kazoo, play the final concert of the summer Aug. 26.

The concerts are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the state of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Concerts are not cancelled in inclement weather, and instead move inside, said Samantha Ferris, a spokeswoman for the Riversdale House Museum.

Tunes for Teens

Six Flags America in Largo will be hosting some big names this summer, such as pop band Metro Station and Raven-Symoné of the Disney Channel's "That's So Raven" as part of the theme park's Starburst Summer Concert Series.

Six Flags is known for recruiting the up-and-coming performers, said park spokeswoman Julia Filz. Two years ago, the Jonas Brothers played to a packed park of swooning teens and last year Demi Lovato took the stage.

"People get to hang out at the park all day and then see a great show," Filz said. "It's two opportunities for great entertainment."

Pop star Jesse McCartney is scheduled to perform at the park on June 8. Concert prices are included with general admission, which is $49.99 for the day.

Junior tickets for children 4 feet and under are $24.99 and children 2 years and younger are free.

Six Flags will be holding 18 shows throughout the summer and recently announced Metro Station, a pop band led by Miley Cryrus' older brother, Trace, will be performing Aug. 6. Metro Station is known for its chart-climbing single "Shake it," which came out in August. The band also includes Mason Musso, older brother to Mitchel Musso, one of the stars of the "Hannah Montana" television and film franchise.

Mitchel Musso has his own slot on Six Flags' concert calendar. Parkgoers on July 1 can expect to hear tracks from the 17 year old's self-titled debut album, set to be released a month before the concert.

A familiar Nickelodeon face, Drake Bell, 22, of "Drake & Josh," will be returning to perform at the park for a second time July 15, Filz said.

"Drake was here last summer and was really popular, so we're bringing him back," she said.

Bell's original rock-pop performance last June included the songs ‘'I Know" and ‘'Found a Way," which is the theme song for series ‘'Drake & Josh.

Former "Drake & Josh" co-star 16-year-old Miranda Cosgrove will also be performing as part of the Summer Concert Series, but a date has not yet been determined, Filz said.

Cosgrove, who now stars as Carly on Nickelodeon's "iCarly" and recorded the show's theme song along with Bell will perform songs from the show's soundtrack.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the outdoor Gotham Arena in Gotham City on the park grounds.

If You Go

National Harbor's Sunset Concert Series

Select Thursdays and Saturdays through Aug. 8 in Oxon Hill; ww.nationalharbor.com

Six Flags America Starburst Summer Concert Series

Starts June 11 and continues through Aug. 20 in Largo; www.sixflags.com/america

Saturday Summer Concert Series

Starts June 13 through Aug. 8 at Town Green Park, Bowie

Oxon Hill Manor Jazz Concerts

June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19 at Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill; www.pgparks.com

Concerts in the Park

Thursdays, June 18 through Aug. 13 at Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro; www.pgparks.com

Patuxent River Summer Concert

June 19 at Mount Calvert Historical and Archaelogical Park, Upper Marlboro; www.pgparks.com

Jazz on the Portico

The last Wednesday of June, July and August at Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale; www.pgparks.com

Summer of Soul Outdoor Concerts

June 24, July 15, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 at Decatur Community Center in Clinton

31st Annual Montpelier Summer Concert Series

Fridays, June 26 through Aug. 7 at Montpelier Mansion, Laurel

E-mail Megan McKeever at mmckeever@gazette.net