by Amy Ellis
Having a big time in a small town is what we do best with 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 continue through August.
“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 July and August a Mini Market will be open from 6-9 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 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 product.”
Andy and the Rockers will begin the July schedule as they return to the stage July 13 to heat up the summer night. 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. Bring the kids and let them have the opportunity to “Touch A Truck.” Several different trucks will be lined up on College Street and children will have the opportunity to touch a tractor, a fire truck, ambulance, police car, dump truck and excavator.
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 6 p.m.
For more info about Summer Nights concerts go to www.fsrenaissance.org.
About the Author:
Amy Ellis is Executive Director of Franklin-Simpson Renaissance.
