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GAINESVILLE, Ga. (May 26, 2022) β The kickoff of Main Street Gainesvilleβs 2022 First Friday Concert Series will be twice the fun with back-to-back tribute bands performing June 3 on the historic square in downtown Gainesville.
Neil Diamond tribute band Cherry Cherry, led by frontman Steve Kelly, will headline the show from 7-9 p.m., followed by an hour (9-10 p.m.) of MainStreet, Kellyβs nationally known Bob Seger tribute band.
βFirst Fridays feel like the start of summer on the square; itβs a time where the whole community comes together,β said Main Street Manager Nicole Parham.
Kicking off in June, the 2022 summer concert series continues monthly through September, featuring a different band the first Friday of every month. Events are free and open to the public.
βFirst Friday concerts are held with the goal of bringing our community downtown to support our small businesses,β Parham said. βOur hope is to give our retailers a boosted night of shoppers, our restaurants a full evening of patrons, and to remind the community about all the great services and businesses that make up the fabric of downtown.β
A seasoned performer, Kelly's shows are high energy and deliver spot-on tributes, states the band's page, . Tributes extend beyond Neil Diamond and Bob Seger (MainStreet) to include Bad Company.
"His positive attitude, love of music and dedication to the fans is evident from the greeting prior to the show and post show farewell," it states.
The page goes on to state Kelly's love for music and performing began at age 13, carrying him through his high-school vocal jazz group performances across the Northwest; his band, Black Diamond, during his service to the United States Marine Corps; and post-service performances with classic rock bands and tributes in β89 shows under Shades of Purple and Trust Me.
"His bands have opened for many great bands, [such as] Pat Benatar, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett, April Wine, Loverboy, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Ted Nugent, Montrose, Rick Derringer, Foghat, Dokken, Skid Row, Blue Oyster Cult, Ratt, Buddy Miles and many more," it states. "Hall-of-famers such as Chris Slade of AC/DC, Alan White of Yes and Steve Fossen of Heart have sat in on many shows. [He also] had [the] privilege to play over 30 shows with Randy Hansen, one of the greatest guitar players in the world and Hendrix tribute."
Close out the workweek with an "Evening of Seger" with Kelly and MainStreet as they recreate all the hits, states the page.
"Over the last 50 years, Bob Seger has stunned audiences with his ballads and rockers," it states, which Kelly strives to replicate before audiences.
The main stage will be located at the corner closest to Roosevelt Square, at Bradford and Spring streets. Bradford and Spring streets will close at 3 p.m. to allow crews to set up the stage and other equipment.
"Weβll close parking earlier, but by 5 p.m., Washington and Main streets will be closed to traffic, allowing time for food trucks to get in place," Parham said.
Set up your chairs/blankets on the lawn starting at 6 p.m., then grab a bite and/or beverage downtown or at a nearby vendor.
Be sure to visit with City staff who will be slinging some Gainesville freebies and cool Main Street- and Gainesville-branded merch at the Main Street tent.
Free parking is always available at the Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St. SE β both within walking distance to the square.
For updates, βLikeβ and follow on Facebook or Instagram, or visit downtowngainesville.com.
