GAINESVILLE, Ga. (April 29, 2021) – What elevates a warm, sunny afternoon spent shopping or dining on the historic square in downtown Gainesville? How about live music?
“Downtown Gainesville has carried a vibrant arts and performance culture throughout its years,” said Main Street Gainesville Manager Nicole Ricketts. “The downtown square is Gainesville’s heartbeat – it has historically been the central point of gathering together as a community. Live music is something that brings people together, even as we’re social distancing and taking precautions for safety in light of everything we’ve endured this past year.”
So, in 2021, Main Street is bringing back the well-loved Blue Sky Concert Series every Wednesday in May on the downtown Gainesville square.
“Blue Sky concerts are a returning event, even though it’s been several years since the City hosted them,” Ricketts said. “In light of the pandemic, we were looking for smaller-scale events to begin hosting again to build back up in-person downtown events, and Blue Sky concerts were previously a favorite event for people working or living downtown.”
The following artists are scheduled from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays in May: May 5, Cody Marlowe; May 12, Eduardo Cautino; May 19, Rodney Appleby; May 26, April Rooks.
“We’re hoping to give our local restaurants a boost in lunchtime customers, as well as our retailers with some pre- and post-concert shopping!” Ricketts said.
Adding to the excitement will be “Blue Sky specials” served up at several local restaurants throughout the month. Updates regarding the specials and where you can enjoy them will be posted on the @DowntownGainesvilleGA Facebook and Instagram pages.
“May is also Historic Preservation Month, so we’ll be telling stories of historic downtown Gainesville on social media and have some giveaways to tie into that during these lunch events,” Ricketts said. “We’ll also be selling Main Street Money, a local downtown gift certificate program that is good at over 25 different stores, to help promote economic vitality in our historic business district.”
Those who shop or dine at any downtown retailer or restaurant during the concert will have the opportunity to win a prize from Main Street and the City of Gainesville. Simply keep your receipt(s) to show City staff at the Main Street tent to have your name entered into a drawing. The winner will be drawn following the concert.
For updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or Instagram, or visit gainesville.org.