SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. -- Beginning in May, Ray’s on the River will host an intimate, three-part jazz concert series to benefit local charities. The concerts will be held at Ray’s on the River’s manicured Event Lawn that overlooks the Chattahoochee River.

“We’re really excited to host such renowned jazz musicians and to be able to partner with such worthy causes,” said Mike Ross, director of operations for Ray’s Restaurants. “As an Atlanta restaurant group, we feel we have a great responsibility to give back to our local community. The Chattahoochee River is the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon of live music and great food with friends and family.”

ATLANTA -- The 11 talented local students who participated in this year's Atlanta Opera High School Opera Institute will give a special concert next month.

The institute, which is one of only a few programs of its kind in the U.S., puts high school students through a rigorous audition process and offers eight months of workshops, vocal coaching and other courses for young people who are interested in pursuing music careers.

In the three years the Atlanta Opera has offered the program, 11 of its graduates have gone on to study music at universities and conservatories across the country.

ATLANTA -- If you're planning to plant a summer garden, Pike Nurseries is hosting the perfect event to learn all about growing fresh vegetables and herbs.

The Georgia-based chain of nurseries has teamed up with Concentrics Restaurants for a Garden-to-Table Chef Event. Expert gardeners and at-home chefs will teach Pike customers how to use their home-grown crops in custom recipes. There will also be cooking demonstrations.

The garden-to-table event is free to attend. Seminars and demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at all 14 metro Atlanta Pike locations.

Acworth
3602 Cobb Parkway

Alpharetta
2955 Holcomb Bridge Road

Atlanta
Chastain (4020 Roswell Road)
Lindbergh (2410 Camellia Lane NE)
Toco Hills (2101 LaVista Road)

Cumming
6050 Bethelview Road

Johns Creek
5795 State Bridge Road