by Amy Ellis
Having a big time in a small town is what we do best with in Franklin with ten free concerts in our Downtown Historic District 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, which are hosted by the Franklin-Simpson Renaissance and sponsors Franklin Bank and Trust Co., Franklin Precision Industry, Inc., Kentucky Downs and the Simpson County Tourism Commission, will kick off June 1.
“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. Most of the shops will be open until the concerts begin,” Ellis said. “We have some great shops offering local art, furniture, clothing, antiques, sporting goods, books, jewelry and much more.”
On the last Friday of June, July and August a Mini Market will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. The Mini Markets will feature booths from the Farmer’s Market, vintage items, clothing, home décor and art. For vendor booth information, go to www.fsrenaissace.org.
“We wanted to provide a space for pop-up shops,” Ellis said. “The market is a friendly place for a small business to test the waters and see how potential customers respond to their products.”
The legendary Ronnie McDowell will kick of the Summer Nights Series and the Love in Bloom: A Tribute to Johnny and June Music Festival on June 1. Johnny Cash historian and personal friend Mark Stielper will speak to the audience at 6 p.m. about Johnny Cash, and Ronnie McDowell will perform from 7-9 p.m. This weekend will be a celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of the famous Cash couple who married in the church across from the courtyard where the concerts are held. McDowell will conduct a Johnny and June look alike and sound alike contest during his show!
For more information about the festival go to loveinbloom.net.
The Brandon Harris Band will wrap up the week of celebrating Johnny and June Cash with their concert on Friday, June 8. They will feature steel guitar player Tom Killen who played for George Jones for over 30 years.
The Sidewinders of Bowling Green will hit the stage on June 15. You will not want to miss this band, which 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.
Country rocker JD Shelburne returns to Franklin on June 22 to burn up the stage. During his whirlwind career, Shelburne has performed with over 50 national acts including stars such as Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Jamey Johnson, Kellie Pickler, and Steve Wariner to Clay Walker. His music videos have topped the viewer profiles on GAC and TNN.
Black Widow Band will close out the month on June 29 with R&B and Motown tunes. This is a long-time favorite band of the Summer Night series. The first of three Mini Markets will begin at 6 p.m.
Andy and the Rockers return to the stage July 13 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 boys from Bowling Green will get the party started as Dizzorderly Conduct comes to Franklin on July 20. They will perform Southern rock and pop tunes in between sharing their wit and “wisdom” with the crowd.
School is out and Bueler’s Day Off will be here July 27 to bring you some funk, country, and classic rock tunes to dance to. Get to the square early for a night of shopping at the Mini Market.
Local favorite The Jimmy Church Band will heat up the August 17 night as they grace the stage. Church brings his Sugar, Spice and Honey girls to sing a few tunes as well.
The Kentucky band Jericho Woods will be on stage August 24. Their mix of Americana, roots rock and folk-rock music will keep you on the dance floor.
There is no better way to finish out the summer than with the always amazing Tyrone Dunn and Kin-Foke on August 31. They will play your favorite R&B and Motown music from days gone by…and a few of your favorite new songs, too. The final Mini Market will begin at that evening at 6 p.m.
For more info about Summer Nights concerts go to www.fsrenaissance.org
About the Author:
Amy Ellis is the executive director of Franklin-Simpson Renaissance.
