SNOWMASS — The snow is gone from the slopes of Fanny Hill, the stage has been assembled and mandolinist Drew Emmitt is up first for Thursday’s launch of the long-anticipated summer concerts at Snowmass.

The free weekly series, popular with locals and visitors alike, opens with the Drew Emmitt Band, led by the singer and multi-instrumentalist of the bluegrass-inspired Colorado band, Leftover Salmon. The music begins at 6 p.m.

“I’ve been looking forward to the Thursday night concerts since the end of the ski season,” said 25-year old Snowmass Village resident Jeff Tenorio. “It’s always a good time no matter what band is playing, and you couldn’t ask for a better place to see a show. Plus it’s free, that never hurts.”

Although the bring-your-own-booze days are over — of-age concertgoers can purchase beer and wine within the venue — attendees are allowed to bring picnic baskets, snacks and unopened, non-alcoholic beverages with them. Most also bring blankets or low chairs and stake out a spot on the grass. No dogs, though.

“This is just a great event that brings the entire community together,” said Reed Lewis, Daly Bottle liquor store owner and Snowmass Village town councilman. “They always do a great job with the lineups — a good mix throughout the summer.”

Next week, on July 3, Midwestern rock group the Freddy Jones Band — not led by, nor even including anyone named Freddy Jones — takes the stage.

Santa Monica-based Gaelic Storm, which mixed Celtic folk and Celtic rock, is set for July 10. On July 17, Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, a hot swing group featuring the distinctive singer Hicks, take the hill.

Ruthie Foster, a Texas-based singer who blends soul and folk, performs July 24, on the heels of last year’s CD, “The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster.” Bonerama, a New Orleans brass band featuring four trombones, is set for July 31.

Great American Taxi, a folk-leaning group led by another Leftover Salmon founder, Vince Herman, plays Aug. 7. Guitarist Robben Ford, who earned a Grammy nomination in the contemporary blues category for last year’s “Truth,” follows on Aug. 14.

The concert series wraps up Aug. 21 with American roots, swing and country from Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys.

This year, the town of Snowmass Village has teamed up with the Pitkin County landfill to reduce trash produced at the concerts. In addition to recycling glass and plastic products, concertgoers will have the opportunity to compost certain waste materials. Separate bins will be marked for compostable material and the bins will be hauled to the landfill for its composting operation.

Event director Josh Behrman estimates 50 percent of the trash can be sorted and composted back into the earth.

Snowmass Village correspondent Mike Canino contributed to this report.