While frequent attendees of expensive concerts at major venues may find themselves with a burning hole in their pockets, Auburn residents have the opportunity to enjoy free concerts as a part of the Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park every Thursday at 6 p.m.
"It's a great chance to enjoy music in a very laid-back atmosphere," said Meg Rainey, public relations specialist for the city of Auburn and co-planner of the series. "You're under these huge trees and you relax. The week is winding down. It's just a great free event."
The concert series brings 175 to 250 people to Kiesel Park every Thursday.
The Sundown Concert Series was started as a way to promote the newly built Kiesel Park, a gift from the late George Kiesel of the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Since its establishment more than 10 years ago, the concert series has been funded and provided by Auburn for the months of September and October.
Although it started as a way of advertising, the series' motive now is to allow residents to relax, munch on some tasty food, walk the dog and chat with friends and family, Rainey said.
For energetic tykes, there is plenty of running room on the 157-acre plot and trees to hide behind for a game of hide-and-seek.
The park gives local musicians and bands the opportunity to play, as well as the chance for the audience to hear local music.
"We're always on the lookout for new bands," Rainey said. "One of the things we try to do with the series is mix it up and have a genre appeal to all different tastes."
Martha's Trouble, a band consisting of husband and wife Rob and Jen Slocumb and friend Patrick Sweeney performed last Thursday, Sept. 16, kicking off the 2010 season.
The band got its start in Houston, Texas, in 1994 and has become increasingly popular over the years for its female vocals and upbeat melodies of pop folk music.
Currently on tour, Martha's Trouble came to Auburn for the concert series.
"We love the family atmosphere, the kids running around and the people hanging out," Jen said. "This event is important to the community."
Toddlers danced with their arms raised in the cool fall air.
Some concertgoers played frisbee with their dogs, while others lay on the ground with their eyes closed and ears open.
"Next time, I'm bringing my family and friends with me," said first-time attendee Katherine Spyker, freshman in mechanical engineering, "not to mention some food."
The bands understand that Auburn is working with a limited budget, so they provide their own equipment.
Fans and new listeners alike can purchase CDs and merchandise to further support the bands.
The following is a list of upcoming dates and musicians for the Sundown Concert Series: Sept. 23, Dave Potts; Sept. 30, Weston Burt Band; Oct. 7, The Auburn Knights Orchestra; Oct. 14, Spoonful James; and Oct. 21, Highway 280 Band.
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