Summer Concert Series returns to downtown — Trio of free downtown concerts begins Friday with Lindsey Cardinale performing

Published 10:52 pm Friday, June 8, 2018

The Brookhaven Summer Concert Series hit all the right notes last year, so organizers are ready to do it again.

Three concerts are planned for the second annual series — Lindsey Cardinale Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., The Bridge Band July 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.  and The Trouble Trio Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.. All shows are free and will be held in front of Brookhaven Music and Sound Company on Railroad Avenue in downtown Brookhaven. In case of severe weather, the shows will move to Recess 101.

Katie Nations, program director for the Chamber, said organizing the first summer concert series last year was exciting because of the talented musicians located here.

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“The Chamber along with our Creative Economy Committee and the Tourism Council wanted to create an event to showcase their talents free of cost to everyone in the community,” she said. “2017 was our inaugural year for the Summer Concert Series and we couldn’t believe the turnout we had.”

The street in front of the music store is blocked off and crowds bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the show, she said.

“We encourage everyone to come to town, eat a bite at one of our amazing restaurants or grab some to-go, bring their family, lawn chairs, dance in the street, and have a great time,” Nations said.

Concert Series T-shirts will be available for purchase for $15. Proceeds are poured back into putting on the concert series.

“I would love to see it grow each year with even more sponsors being able to bring in more and more talent,” she said.

Cardinale, an “American Idol” finalist, returns to the Brookhaven stage for the kick-off show for the series. Tyler Bridge and the Bridge Band will also appear again.

New this summer is The Trouble Trio, a band put together by Brookhaven musician Topher Brown. Brown, the worship pastor at CenterPoint Church in Brookhaven, will be joined by friends Anthony Daniels and Nathan Spears for the concert.

They’ll be playing everything from country to pop with a little rap thrown in as well.

Brown, a regular of the late-night Brookhaven music scene, is looking forward to playing the Summer Concert Series.

“I love the fact that I can bring my family to it,” he said.

Brown believes events like this one are important for Brookhaven.

“I love it,” he said. “I think it’s something we’ve been needing for a long, long time. There’s a ton of musical talent in Brookhaven, more so than anyone realizes. I think it’s awesome for that talent to come forth and show itself.”

Bridge encourages people to come to one or all of the shows and enjoy the evening. The music store makes a great venue because of the natural awning and raised stage. He loves to look into the crowded audience and see people tapping their feet and singing along. Some even get up and dance.

“It’s just a real cool thing to see,” he said. “It’s what living in a small town should be about.”