Bluegrass Alfresco This Weekend in Southampton

The Southampton Arts Center will host a free outdoor bluegrass concert with Buddy Merriam and Back Roads on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Since Mr. Merriam formed Back Roads in 1980 out of his love for traditional bluegrass music, the band has played its edgy, hard-driving sound for audiences throughout the country.

A friend of Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, Mr. Merriam propels the band with his Monroe-style mandolin, which is accompanied by banjo, bass, guitar, and vocals. The center has encouraged guests to take chairs, blankets, and picnics. If it rains, the show will take place indoors.