Concerts let listeners feel closer to the band, beating out other bonding activities including Photoshopping self-portraits into promotional posters or playing records backwards in search of inside jokes. Drop the needle on a live performance with today’s Groupon: for $10, you get one general-admission ticket to see Donna the Buffalo and New Riders of the Purple Sage as part of Groovin' in the Garden at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Thursday, May 12, at 6 p.m. (up to a $25 value; $20 in advance and $25 at the gate). Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and admission is free for children younger than 10 accompanied by a paid adult or persuasive imaginary friend.

The Groovin’ in the Garden concert series presents toe-tapping live music in a verdant outdoor venue. From the enticing turf of general-admission seats, concertgoers open their garden evening with the euphoric strains of Donna the Buffalo, whose members pluck through Cajun-inflected mountain music with traditional accompaniment including accordion, fiddle, and a harmonica-playing opossum. Melodies flow freely during a sunset performance by The New Riders of the Purple Sage, who channel 40 years of country-rock roots into a rollicking sea of tunes.

Like stalwart mailmen, Groovin' in the Garden performances go on rain or shine, and spectators are encouraged to augment concert comfort with blankets, chairs, and rafts made of old soda bottles. Although not included with this Groupon, food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase, allowing hungry audiences to refuel during set breaks.