Stacy Wilson and the Band Raven perform for the inaugural event in the county's new Park Rhythms Concert Series.The sounds of Stacy Wilson and the Band Raven echoed throughout the Northwest Georgia Bank Amphitheatre July 7 as the county kicked off its Park Rhythms Concert Series.
At least an estimated 125 spectators listened to the Ringgold-based classic rock/country band.
"People don't have to go to Chattanooga now to hear free music," said Catoosa County Recreation Director Randy Wilson, organizer of the new series which welcomes bands to the amphitheatre every Thursday night in July from 7-9 p.m.
Admission is free and food trucks are on-site.
"This is our first time to utilize this beautiful facility," Catoosa County Manager Jim Walker said of the 3,500-seat amphitheater. "We hope this is the first step to create a music venue in Northwest Georgia for residents to enjoy. People come out for concerts. Randy Wilson has done this stuff all over the country, so I'm excited to see it.
"We would like to have a fall music festival too. We are trying to get the word out."
The next band to perform at the Park Rhythms Concert Series will be Chris Renzema & the New Nature Choir, of Belmont University in Nashville. The band has two CDs out.
The concert will also feature a food truck from The Varsity which will give away a free meal to the first 100 spectators, said Wilson.
"The band just toured Chicago," said Christine Baughman, owner of Promise Pediatrics, which is sponsoring Chris Renzema & the NNC. The trumpet player, Jacob Haymans, is her nephew. "We are excited about them coming. They play Christian contemporary music. It's very instrumental."
In part in honor of the local pediatric office's 15th anniversary on the same day, Promise Pediatrics invited all its patients to attend the free concert July 14 at 7 p.m.
To learn more about Chris Renzema and the New Nature Choir's upcoming show, or other events at the amphitheater, visit nwgabankamp.com.