Free live music is back in downtown Vernon

VERNON – As the summer evening heat up Vernon residents once again get the chance to spend each Thursday evening throughout the summer dancing to some of the city's best bands at this year's Civic Sounds.

The longstanding free musical event starts tomorrow, July 4, and will see 6 Shades of Grey take to the stage at Civic Square at 6 p.m. Each week a different band will play each Thursday evening until Aug. 22. The concerts run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Civic Square next to City Hall.

“It's a nice way to kick off the weekend a little bit early… in a fun outdoor community atmosphere," Downtown Vernon Association events and marketing coordinator Dudley Coulter said.

Popular Vernon bands the Shawn Lightfoot Band and the Legendary Lake Monsters will take to the stage along with a selection of other bands catering to a wide range of musical tastes, from pop and rock to reggae, country and blues.

Coulter said around 1,000 people show up each week for the free concerts.

"It allows people to come down, maybe have dinner beforehand, or some drinks afterwards, or both," Coulter said.

For those wanting to 'Eat to the Beat' Civic Sounds will host two or three food trucks each week.

As well as the fun atmosphere the event is also hoping to raise enough money to supply 12,000 meals to the food bank. Coulter said last year participants helped sent 14 kids to summer camp by raising $3,500. This year's goal is set at $4,000 and each week a different sponsor will take charge of the fundraising efforts.

For more information go here.

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