Good music outside plus fun means only one thing: the Fall Sundown Concert Series is coming back to Auburn.
The free event, sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation, opens at Kiesel Park off of Chadwick Lane Thursday at 6 p.m. with The Satin Soul Band.
The Satin Soul Band, which plays a mix of soul, jazz, R&B and hip-hop, has played venues in Atlanta, Opelika, Nashville and last year played at a private party in Dallas hosted by Dallas Cowboys player DeMarcus Ware, an Auburn native.
Band member Bernard Rutledge said his band is privileged to open this year's event. Rutledge said this is five years of hard work paying off.
"We are really excited about playing in it," Rutledge said. "We always love playing at Kiesel Park. It's a different venue--it's one of the few times we get to play outside throughout the year.
"Anytime we can do something for the city of Auburn, it's extra special. We like the exposure and always enjoy playing music."
Alison Hall, Auburn Parks and Recreation community and special programs director, said the series is held to get the word out about local bands, but also to highlight Kiesel Park.
"A lot of people in the community, especially new students, don't know where the park is, so it's a great chance for us to have events out there in September and October to let them know its out there," Hall said.
"We have a lot to offer out at the park as far as walking trails and the dog park and a place to just hang out and picnic, and they will see for themselves during the concert series."
Terrence Patton, undeclared sophomore, said he has attended the concert series before and enjoyed it.
"When I went last year for the first time, I was not expecting much," Patton said. "But it was actually very relaxing to be outside and listen to some good music.
"I would definitely recommend going if people want to just chill and hang out with friends. Just bring something to sit on and sit back and enjoy."
Patton said the concert series had good bands last year, and he believed this year would be the same.
"They just have one band every week, so it keeps you from being overwhelmed with music in one big concert," Patton said. "The week break gives you something to look forward to."
Hall said bands are chosen for the concert series by request and popularity. Auburn Parks and Recreation likes to bring back crowd favorites while adding new bands every year.
The bands playing this year's event, other than The Satin Soul Band, are John and the Connors, the Auburn Community Orchestra, The Good Doctor, Dave Potts, Auburn Knights Orchestra, Muse and the Tony Brook Band.
The series runs Thursday nights through Oct. 27.
"It gives you something to do on a Thursday late afternoon," Patton said. "I will definitely attend some of the bands, if not all."
Hall and Rutledge said they believe everyone will enjoy the concert series.
"We will definitely have something for the young, the old and everyone in between," Rutledge said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
