ZANESVILLE — Thousands gathered in the Secrest Auditorium parking lot for each of last year’s four shows for the Summer Concert Series. The series was so successful, both in attendance and sponsorship, the city was able to increase the number of concerts this year, according to Zanesville Mayor Don Mason.
Seven concerts are scheduled, the first on Thursday. Each of the concerts, except the final one in September, are on Thursdays, and all are free.
Those opening the shows will play from 5 to 6 p.m. Headlines will start at 6:30 p.m. and perform for 90 minutes.
The parking lot will open at 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. Events will proceed rain or shine.
“We had an overwhelming amount of support last year,” said Matt Schley, the city’s community development director. “We decided to up the ante and do seven shows this year.”
The shows cover a wide variety of genres, Schley said. “We have acts ranging from modern country to ’70s and ’80s rock and roll, R&B and pop all the way to some fan favorite variety shows like The Menus.”
First up is modern country singer and Akron native Teddy Robb. Robb released his first EP in 2020, which included “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” and “Lead Me On.” Opening for Robb is country rock band Appalachian Outlaws of Fresno.
On June 16, Phil Dirt and the Dozers will perform. Described as “America’s premier nostalgia band,” the Columbus-based band performs covers of groups like the Beach Boys, Four Seasons, and the Eagles. Crimson Wavelength of Zanesville will open.
Two weeks later, on June 30, High Noon will perform. A Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, the group also covers songs from other Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers Band. The Mathew Scott Band will open.
Both The Menus and Hotel California return from last year’s summer concert series. The Menus perform a variety of covers, with a variety of theatrics to go along with them. Hotel California is an Eagles tribute band. They also perform songs from Eagles member’s solo careers. The Menus play on July 14, with Steve Spires opening, Hotel California plays July 28, with The Sons of Maverick opening.
August will see reggae band, The Conspiracy Band, on the 11th, with The Victorious Kaybirds opening.
Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffet cover band, will close the series with an end-of-summer celebration on Friday, Sept. 2. The Lost Dogs will open.
DJ Adonis Brooks will emcee the events, and provide music between sets.
A variety of food options from a rotating cast of food trucks and vendors will be available during each of the concerts.
The Zanesville Jaycees will be selling beer, and the downtown DORA will be in effect so patrons of any downtown establishment, or Muddy Misers or Weasel Boy, who purchase an adult beverage can carry their drink to the concerts.
“The support from the community has been fantastic,” Schley said. More sponsors have stepped forward this year, he said, 26 total, which has covered the cost of the series. In addition, the series has changed the perception of downtown. “People are seeing that downtown is vibrant again. So we want to continue on that momentum and continue moving down that pathway.”
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