GAINESVILLE, Ga. (April 25, 2023) – 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 Parham. "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."
So, after reintroducing the series in 2021, Main Street is bringing back in 2023 the well-loved Blue Sky Concert Series every Wednesday in May.
"Grab your coworkers, book a lunch date with a friend or just get out of the office for a bit and head downtown," Parham said. "Grab a to-go lunch from your favorite restaurant or eat at a sidewalk café, shop at local boutiques and enjoy live music on the historic downtown square!"
The following artists are scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in May: May 3, Rodney Appleby; May 10, Roger Moore; May 17, Eli Hannon; May 24, Eduardo Cautiño; and May 31, Out Past 9.
"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!" Parham said.
Plan to bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets in case you can’t snag a spot on shaded park bench.
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," Parham 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.
Find free and covered parking at any one of the following downtown parking decks, all located within walking distance to the square: Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; Gainesville North Parking Deck, 130 Main St.; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St.
For updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook or Instagram, or visit https://www.exploregainesville.org/blue-sky-concerts/.