The Lunchtime Concert Series at Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix returned for its second year with the sweet smells of fry bread and musical talent reminiscent of Aretha Franklin.
The free and family-oriented event will be held every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Space Park in Phoenix and will showcase different artists each week.
The event debuted last year and will implement new techniques to advertise better this year.
“We contacted local businesses and put up fliers, but the best response we have seen is from people that happen to be walking by and by word of mouth,” said Tracee Crockett, deputy director for the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation department.
Senior citizen homes as well as elementary schools in the Phoenix area have been notified about the event, said the producer for the event, Carmela Ramirez.
Frank Medina, a student at the downtown campus said, “I was just walking by and heard music and thought that’s pretty good.”
“This is a perfect time in between my classes, and now that I know about it. I will tell other people,” Medina said.
Ramirez said she hopes the food trucks will help increase attendance.
“We like to do this event because it is about being a part of the community and we like helping the community, especially in Phoenix,” said Joseph Poma, owner of the fry bread truck, DGP Concessions, which was also at the event last year.
The event is funded by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department without taxpayer’s money.
“We are still looking for overall sponsors but we are trying to be really creative about finding them,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez said that she felt there has been an increase and positive response from local artists.
“There has been a great response with local artists and they are calling us really excited to perform,” Ramirez said. “We already have artists booked all the way for the next season.”
Torres and Hendricks, a duo group, played at the series kick-off Wednesday.
“I love doing this because everyone is so appreciative and it is great publicity for our group,” Amanda Hendrix, lead singer for Torres and Hendrix said. “We are planning to come back in the spring.”
The event will also feature student artists in the spring months of the series.
“We will have an evening concert series featuring local high schools and theaters in the spring,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez said she expects over a hundred people to attend the events and hopes for an increase in attendance this season.
“This event is perfect for all ages, it’s midday… and it’s great entertainment; can’t get much better than that,” Ramirez said.
The next event will feature guitarist, and Jazz and R&B artist, Lucius Parr. The event will begin 11:45 a.m. in Civic Space Park.
Contact the reporter at mbever@asu.edu
