Free Summer Concert Series Set to Kick Off

Several free concert series that are staples of summertime in Centre County are ready to get underway.

Lemont’s Village Green Concert Series begins its 21st year with JT Blues, led by central Pennsylvania music fixture John “JT” Thompson, performing from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Concerts continue weekly on Friday nights through Sept. 29.

Live music as part of Downtown State College’s First Friday celebrations also continues this week with Sidewinder performing from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on South Fraser Street. On First Friday afternoons, the Market Jam will feature local musicians performing from noon to 2 p.m. at the Downtown Farmers Market on Locust Lane.

South Hills School of Business and Technology will kick off its 34th annual Summer Music Picnic Series on Sunday with the Nittany Knights performing timeless tunes in four-part a cappella in the community room at 480 Waupelani Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m. Future concerts will be held weekly through Aug. 27 outdoors on the north lawn, with grounds opening at 4 p.m.

The Standing Stone Concert Series will continue on June 9 with jazz and pop vocalist Elizabeth Webb with guitarist Mac Himes performing from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Crooked House at Homecoming Park, 204 Market Street in Milesburg.

Bellefonte’s annual Summer Sounds from the Gazebo will begin its 43rd season on June 11 with Ramblin’ Dan Stevens performing at 7 p.m. and Brandon McCarthy at 8:10 p.m. in Talleyrand Park. Concerts will continue weekly on Sundays through Aug. 13.

Downtown State College’s Live After 5 series returns on June 28 with Steve Treado, Joe Pillot and Jim Colbert performing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the MLK Plaza. Live After 5 concerts continue every Wednesday (except July 12) through Aug. 30.