Featured Article:
Summer Nights Concerts 2017
by Amy Ellis
We do Friday nights right in the summer in Franklin, Ky.!
Having a big time in a small town is what we do best with 10 free live concerts in our downtown during the summer. Bring your family and friends and sit under the stars while you enjoy live performances by some of the hottest bands in the area.
The series of free Friday night concerts –hosted by the Franklin-Simpson Renaissance and sponsors Franklin Bank and Trust Co., Franklin Precision Industry, Inc., New Mather Metals and the Simpson County Tourism Commission – will kick off June 2.
“Our beautiful downtown courtyard is the perfect setting for our free concert series,” said Amy Ellis, executive director of Franklin-Simpson Renaissance. “Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite of food from one of our street vendors or area restaurants and sit back and relax to some great music. It is a family-friendly environment that offers something for everyone of all ages.”
The concerts are held on the lawn of the historic Simpson County Courthouse beginning at 7 p.m. and wrapping up at 9 p.m. Lawn chair rental is available.
“Come to Franklin a little early and shop with some of our downtown merchants. Many of the shops will be open until the concerts begin at 7 p.m.” Ellis said. “We have some great local merchants offering local art, furniture, clothing, antiques, sporting goods, books, jewelry and much more. You can grab a cup of coffee at the Four Soils Coffee Café and Bakery, dine at The Brickyard Café or grab some yogurt at the newly opened Frozen Spoon.”
On the last Friday of June, July and August, a Mini Market will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. For vendor booth information, go to www.fsrenaissace.org. The Mini Markets will feature booths from the Farmer’s Market, vintage items, clothing, home décor and art.
“We will have a variety of different booths at the Mini Market each month,” Ellis said. “We wanted to provide a space for pop-up shops. The market is a friendly place for a small business to test the waters and see how potential customers respond to their product.”
The summer kicks off on June 2 with the Brandon Harris Band playing country music oldies and new hits, too. Tom Killen, steel guitar player for George Jones for over 30 years, is featured with this group.
Andy and the Rockers return to the stage June 16 to heat up the summer nights. The powerful voice of Andy Tanaro will have you begging this band to sing just one more song!
The Kentucky band Jericho Woods will hit the stage on June 23. Their mix of Americana, alt-country, roots rock, folk-rock, Kentucky music and barn cured and Kentucky pure music will keep you on the dance floor. Jericho Woods was chosen as the “Best Currently Performing KY Musical Group” by Kentucky Living magazine.
You are sure to enjoy the Nashvegas All Stars on June 30 as they entertain you with a mixture of pop, rock and country music like no other band. The Mini Market will open at 5 p.m. this night.
Bowling Green-based band, The Sidewinders will play July 14. You will not want to miss this band that is comprised of so much talent. Musicians John McCracken, Dave Allen, Bhrett Puckett, Ernie Raymer, Kevin Snyder Webb Hendrix and friends will play some of their favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The Jimmy Church Band will heat up the stage on July 21. This Summer Night’s staple will return to play R&B and Motown favorites from back in the day. New to the Summer Nights stage is Pink Cadillac on July 28. They will play oldies hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Join us for another night of the Mini Market.
A fan favorite, Black Widow will be on stage August 4 with Motown sounds and R&B.
Another Bowling Green-based band, Dizzorderly Conduct, will help usher in the Solar Eclipse on August 18 with an “Out of this World” performance. Come to Franklin on Friday for the concert and stay through the eclipse on Monday afternoon. Franklin is one of the best places in Kentucky to view the eclipse!
The always amazing Tyrone Dunn and Kin-Foke will wrap up the Summer Nights series on August 25 as they bring R&B and Motown to downtown Franklin. The final Mini Market will be at 5 p.m. this night.
The Summer Nights Concert Series is a family friendly free event. Franklin welcomes everyone to come and see what is so special about our small town!
About the Author:
Amy Ellis is the executive director of Franklin-Simpson Renaissance.
