Downtown SummerTunes returns to Hattiesburg with music, community and celebration of America 250

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Lawn chairs filled Town Square Park Friday evening as Downtown SummerTunes kicked off its summer concert series in Hattiesburg.

The free event, a partnership between Live at 5 and FestivalSouth, featured live music from Pinebelt Pickers, community fellowship, and a celebration of American culture through music.

“This is our spot. I have my husband’s chair already there,” eventgoer and performer Jamie Rettig said. “Yeah, we come all the time and then we play every other year.”

Organizers say the concert series provides residents with an opportunity to gather and enjoy arts and entertainment at no cost.

“All of our events, whether that’s Downtown Summer Tunes or Live at Five, I think they’re more important now than ever because it does give opportunities for people to gather for something fun and culturally enriching,” Downtown SummerTunes program coordinator Allison Neville said. “But the other thing is it’s free.”

This year’s FestivalSouth programming also highlights America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, with performances centered around music and artistic traditions that have shaped the nation’s culture.

“We have produced incredible art and artists across generations of our American existence,” FestivalSouth Artistic Director Mike Lopinto said. “And we really thought there’s no better way than to celebrate that here with American artists, American music, things that have influenced American culture through all of the arts and theater and dance and visual art, all sorts of performance.”

For attendees, the event is about more than music; it’s also an opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate the arts.

“I love the fellowship that happens between our community members and these free events and arts focus that Hattiesburg has every year,” said eventgoer Amanda Lee.

Organizers say Downtown SummerTunes will continue. The next concert is scheduled for June 26 at 7 p.m. at Town Square Park with a performance by Grits & Greens. Another one is scheduled for July 31; more details to come.

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