IF YOU GOWhat: The Dexter Thomas Band and Gerle Haggard at Evening Shade.When: 6:30 p.m. today.Where: Johnston Park, bounded by Inman, Ocoee, Broad and First streets, Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: Free.Phone: 423-472-6587.Website: www.clevelandchamber.comSAVE THE DATERemaining Evening Shade concerts feature these headliners.May 13: Peter Rivera (Rare Earth).May 20: Sweet Georgia Sound.May 27: Tri-Octaves.
The four Fridays in May arrive with the promise of rocking entertainment in Cleveland, Tenn., as the 17th annual Evening Shade Concerts in the Park series gets under way.
The free weekly series is presented by the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
"Once again we're bringing world-class entertainment to the community free of charge," event organizer Kyle Elrod said of the diverse acts scheduled to appear.
"We've got something for everyone, from oldies bands to big-band sounds to gospel music," he said. "The concerts are entertaining, and you can bring the whole family."
Headliners for the 2011 season are The Dexter Thomas Band, an award-winning 10-piece rock/R&B ensemble; former Rare Earth drummer/lead singer Pete Rivera in an unplugged set; the big band Sweet Georgia Sound; and sacred/secular trio Tri-Octaves. Opening acts the first three are Gerle Haggard, the Collins Brothers and the Sweet Georgia Sound Jazz Combo.
"We will kick off our 17th season with a fun night featuring local bands," Elrod said about tonight's concert. "Dexter Thomas has been a favorite for many years in the region and has a reputation as one of the most exciting show bands in the Southeast."
Opening act Gerle Haggard is a country band from Chattanooga largely influenced by the musical traditions of Tennessee and Appalachia "with a little edge to it."