This summer, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center is offering a way to spend a few hours more pleasantly in those same mountains, and with little risk of overheated cars or tempers. The center, which is located in Felton, a few miles from Scotts Valley, is hosting a summer series of free Christian concerts and entertainment.

Every Saturday evening, long after the caravans of cars have cleared from southbound 17 (and are instead jamming the road's lanes heading north), concertgoers can enjoy a leisurely drive over the scenic highway and head for a variety of performances at the Mount Hermon center. Taking the stage on July 19 is harmonica virtuoso Buddy Greene, accompanied by guitar and vocals. Straight out of Nashville, Greene is also a composer and recording artist and will be marking his 10th visit to Mount Hermon with this show.

Upcoming shows will feature bluegrass, gospel and swing group Northern Cross on July 26; family-oriented sketch comedy with the CPR Improv Comedy troupe on Aug. 2; singer, pianist and composer Ken Medema on Aug. 9; and popular gospel singer and one-man variety show Tom Key on Aug. 16. The Monterey Peninsula Celebration Choir, a group made up of 80 singers and musicians, will bring the series to a rousing conclusion on Aug. 23 with Spirituals Night, featuring audience participation.

Concertgoers with an appetite can arrive early and dig into pre-concert dinners. Offered on July 19 is a buffet dinner. Through the rest of the series, patrons can enjoy a family-style barbecue.

Concerts are held every Saturday night at 8 p.m. through Aug. 23 at the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon (near Felton off Highway 17). Concerts are free. The July 19 buffet is $15, and the barbecue dinners through Aug. 23 are $10. To make dinner reservations, call 831.335.4466 or 888.MHCAMPS.