By Ben Cox
Photos by ElCrow Photography.
It felt like Jacksonville was seven inches from the midday sun on Friday, July 25. The 5 o’clock hour was the hottest part of the day, topping out at 89 degrees.
However, the heat didn’t deter concertgoers and newcomers to Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Jacksonville Main Street partnered to welcome new residents to the city with its annual welcome tent.
Jacksonville Main Street Executive Director Judy Tighe told WLDS earlier in the week that it was a collaborative effort, “We were going to have a little bit of information about our different organizations [at the tent]. More than anything, it is just a chance to come out and enjoy some music in a casual setting and meet some people. The concerts always bring together a really great cross-section of our community. This is a chance to meet more people if you are new to town.”
The Case Band brought an intimate sit-down performance to the stage. Known for leading worship services at The Chapel (formerly Annie Merner Chapel) in Jacksonville, the Case family performed songs from multiple genres demonstrating their all-around talent. The group had a built-in audience as the Heaton Family Reunion decided to share their gathering with downtown. Many of the family members filled up the sidewalks as dancers for the show.
Cool drinks, slushies and ice cream helped concertgoers beat the heat and enjoy the second-to-last concert of the season. The final concert in the Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series is scheduled for Friday, August 1, when The Detroit Doors are slated to perform.
