Sounds of Summer Concert Series kicks off with Downtown performances
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- One popular summer concert series returns for the 2025 season and is kicking off its performances on Friday, May 16.
This free community event will bring live music, food and entertainment to Coleman Hawkins Park in historic Downtown St. Joseph.
"We really tried to get into the revitalization of Downtown, making sure that, you know, businesses have what they need, like foot traffic, anything like that," Executive Director Wendy Lilly said. "This is a huge concert series that brings a ton of people Downtown to enjoy our architecture, enjoy our neighborhood and our community. So really, I think they started it because they wanted Downtown to be a hub for events and it just kind of snowballed from there."
Lilly said her favorite aspect of the concerts is the music itself as well as the camaraderie between the musicians and the audience.
"I grew up playing instruments and in bands," she said. "Now that I'm older and seeing the other side of it, booking bands and seeing the community engagement and their favorite bands and having them wait after they're done playing to meet the band, it's just really exciting for me."
The series kicks off with local favorite, B.O.C.C., performing from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The 2025 Sounds of Summer Concert Series schedule continues with other local favorites:
- June 6: Swift Kik
- June 20: Phil Vandel
- July 18: Vinyl Revival
- August 15: The Weasels
- September 19: Yachtly Groove
- October 17: Dolewite
Each concert will feature food vendors, including the popular Enchilada Lady and Vogel's Burgers, Pizza & More and concessions from The Crossing offered in the concession building.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or beach towels to enjoy the performances against the backdrop of Downtown St. Joseph's historic architecture.
All concerts are free and open to the public and will be held at Coleman Hawkins Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Per state and city regulations, outside alcohol is not permitted, but concessions will be available.
For more information about the Sounds of Summer Concert Series or other Downtown Association events, visit the Downtown Association's Facebook page or email st.josephdowntown@yahoo.com.
