GAINESVILLE, Ga. (June 1, 2021) – This Friday, June 4, Main Street Gainesville is bringing back to downtown Gainesville the First Fridays concert series.
“Having the historic downtown buildings filled with all of our favorite small businesses just feels like home; we love living life downtown. After a year of limited community gatherings, we’re excited to be back together again having a good time on the square,” said Main Street Manager Nicole Ricketts.
The 2021 series runs through September and features a different band the first Friday of every month on the historic Gainesville square. Events are free and open to the public.
“First Friday concerts are held with the goal of bringing our community downtown to support our small businesses,” Ricketts said. “Our hope is to give our retailers a boosted night of shoppers, our restaurants a full evening of patrons, and to remind the community about all the great services and businesses that make up the fabric of downtown.”
Continuing the series from 7-10 p.m. this Friday will be The Soul Purpose Band, an 11-piece band consisting of a five-piece rhythm section, a four-piece horn section, and both male and female singers.
“As the name implies, The Soul Purpose Band is steeped in a true Soul/R&B tradition that offers the audience a combination of dance hits and soulful sounds from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, with an occasional tune from recent current pop charts,” states the band’s website. “… This uniquely talented group of musicians knows how to get your party started, keep the dance floor full and make your event an occasion to remember.”
The following bands/artists are scheduled later this summer:
• Aug. 6: Fly Betty Band
• Sept. 3: Jonathan Ingram
This weekend, the main stage will be located at the corner of Bradford and Spring streets next to Downtown Drafts. Bradford and Spring streets will close at 3 p.m. to allow crews to erect the stage and other equipment.
Set up your chairs/blankets on the lawn starting at 6 p.m., then grab a bite and/or beverage downtown or at a nearby vendor.
In celebration of Gainesville turning 200 this November, be sure to visit with City staff who will be slinging some Gainesville trivia and prizes at the Main Street tent. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase some cool Main Street- and Gainesville-branded merch.
Free parking is always available at the Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St. SE – both within walking distance to the square.
For updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or Instagram, or visit gainesville.org.