SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

HIT THE STREETS Summer Concert Series

A Caldwell Original

SUMMER EVENT HONORS TRADITION - AND REINVENTS IT

by Michelle Banse Stokes, photos by Emily Henderson

CONCERT SERIES F

ree outdoor concerts are synonymous with summer. The verve and exhilaration of a street dance attracts people of all ages, as does the sense of community, the sheer pleasure of moving to music, and the physical closeness … something many have missed in recent years.

This is an opportunity to come out and sit under the stars while listening to live music. “

The Caldwell Summer Concert Series, organized by the Caldwell Main Street Program, features a variety of musical acts from across the region. This popular event coincides with the Main Street mission to both embrace and energize Caldwell’s beloved, historic downtown district. Everyone is invited to bring their own lawn chair or blanket and choose their favorite spot on the expansive lawn of the Burleson County Courthouse.

‘We had a huge outpouring of support last year,” said Lia Zaccagnino, chair of the Caldwell Main Street Program. “Last year we saw between 600 to 1500 come out. The concerts are free, so there is no way to tally how many people actually attended, but it was definitely a big hit.”

The concerts are held the second Saturday of June, July and August from 8pm to 11pm. It’s an open-air street dance that welcomes families and neighbors including both residents and visitors alike.

“This is an opportunity to come out and sit under the stars while listening to live music,” added Lia. “One of our Main Street projects was to put up white lights in our downtown area. It added a nice touch to this family-friendly event. Everyone loves it.”

The music varies from local favorite country bands to Motown to classic rock. The organization calls in a variety of genres that appeal to everyone, although the most popular music for street dancing

From top, concert-goers enjoy the music at the popular street dance downtown; Main Street Program volunteers pause for a photo during a June concert; the Burleson County Courthouse is illuminated by new string lights. CALDWELL, TEXAS | 10

CONCERT SERIES

is country. Along with toe-tapping music, concert-goers can expect to find additional treats to round out the evening.

“Our local restaurants are open,” shared Lia. “Many offer dinner and drink specials. We have food vendors, soda and water next to the stage, and even an ice cream truck.”

Caldwell’s Main Street Program volunteers put in a lot of long hours and hard work to make the concert series happen, but the payoff is worth the labor for this dedicated crew.

“We look for opportunities to highlight the historic downtown,” said Lia. “We want people to see what we are doing and come back and shop when everything is open. Our goal is, by design, to preserve our historic downtown and bolster economic development. We work with the City and County to create projects for the future, like the white lights, murals and intersections improvements. We have lots of projects planned for the future and it is all made possible because of our generous donors and the support we have received from the community.”

The Caldwell Summer Concert Series is held downtown on Buck and North Echols Streets the second Saturday of June, July and August. The event is online at www.caldwelltx.gov/ summer-concert-series. Follow them at www.facebook.com/ visitdowntowncaldwelltx for information on music lineups and area projects.

Top, the Caldwell Summer Concert Series sets the stage for an evening of entertainment and fun for all; bottom, dancers sway to the music of the band. CALDWELL, TEXAS | 11

For tours or more information, please call (979) 743-4514 or visit our website www.schulenburgchamber.org

Home is where you PARK IT

2190 Highway 21 East

Caldwell, TX 77836 979-200-3007

www.bvrvpark.com

160 Hwy 36 North

Caldwell, Texas 77836

979-353-4207

fields.flowerstx@gmail.com

www.fieldsandflowerscaldwelltx.com

Pastor Shane Dismuke MOTHER’S DAY OUT PROGRAM • MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS • FOSTER PARENT CLOSET OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD • SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:15AM, MORNING WORSHIP 10:30AM

Czech Us Out! Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum

200 East Fawn Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836 979-567-0000 Open on the second Saturday of every month or by appointment. Admission is free, donations accepted.

FIRST BAPTIST WARRIORS

FIRST BAPTIST SCHOOL

501 W Mustang, Caldwell 979-567-3771

Enrollment for Age 3 through 8th grade

fbscaldwell.org

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

VIEW ALL OF OUR TRAVEL GUIDES ONLINE You’ll want to visit all of the Tiny Towns in Texas!

979.725.3080 - call 979-702-9445 - text

www.tripspublications.com

Interested in a magazine for your town, business, or event? Yes, we can do that, too.

SERVE UP SOMETHING DELICIOUS DINE IN & TAKE OUT

271 Highway 36 North, Caldwell 979-567-7827 (SUBS) www.subway.com