Gilroy – Residents found a new way to get down in Gilroy Friday at the first of 10 downtown summer concerts. More than 300 music fans showed up to listen to the hip-hop and reggae sounds of Tri-Plex June 24 on Fifth Street between Eigleberry and Monterey.
“We just want to get folks to come down on Friday night and have some fun,” said Larry Mickartz, vice president of Gilroy’s Downtown Business Association and one of the many volunteers who showed up to help set up the event.
The first concert went off without a hitch, though Mickartz said they hope to increase the crowds as the Fifth Street Live series continues.
The ordinary city block will be closed down at 5pm each Friday until Aug. 26 while it is transformed into a bandstand. A different local band will take the stage from 7 to 8:30pm and upcoming musical styles include classic rock, Dixieland and big band as well as others.
Damien Carter and his band will take the stage Friday, singing a mix of R&B that may remind folks of Luther Vandross.
In addition to bringing entertainment to locals, the downtown association hopes the concerts will highlight the local restaurants and shops.
“We want to promote downtown and get some folks into the area,” Mickartz said before the launch of the first concert.
The 10-week series is sponsored by the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, the Theater Angel Art League and a grant from the Gilroy Foundation, as well as other local sponsors.
Fifth Street Live continues
Friday Damien Carter and his band – R&B rock
July 8 Shiloh – Rock Pop
July 15 Tommy Bro’s Dixieland Band – Swing
July 22 JJ Hawg – Classic Rock
July 29 Morgan Hill Swing Band – Big Band Swing
Aug. 5 SV Wind Symphony – Brass Ensemble
Aug. 12 Rio – Latin rock
Aug. 19 Interstate – Rock Show
Aug. 26 Candace Fazzio & Friends – Pan American
