CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Every summer since 2004 concert goers in Charleston have enjoyed free music at Hadded Riverfront Park.
The Moses Auto Group Live on the Levee returns for a 15th season. Performances will be every Friday at 6:30 p.m. from May 25 through Aug. 31 on the Schoenbaum Stage.
Adam Harris, a member of the Live on the Levee Music Committee, said people can expect a great lineup this year.
“One thing we’ve got new this year is a tribute to Bill Withers that’s going to be comprised of a bunch of West Virginia music all stars. Laundau Eugene Murphy, Jr. and Christian Lopez are coming down to be a part of that as well as some local musicians like Bob Thompson, Larry Groce, Shayla Leftridge. We’re going to pay tribute to Bill Whithers on the anniversary of his 80th birthday,” Harris said.
The music lineup was announced Friday during a press conference.
Harris said the concert series’ reputation has grown as a family friendly event.
“People come down once and realize not only is it an affordable evening for their family, but it’s a safe, family friendly environment. Once they come and have a great time, they’re all the more likely to come back again. That’s why some of our crowds have grown enormously,” he said.
In addition to music performances, there are also food vendors that line the Kanawha Boulevard.
Harris said the goal is to get people to enjoy all of what Charleston has to offer. He said it’s a big economic driver.
“I think one of the initiatives when this started was to keep people downtown. They’ll go out, support the restaurants, they’ll stick around afterwards. That’s the reason why we stop at 9:30 is so that folks can either get back home safely or get out and support some of the local late night businesses as well,” Harris said.
The City of Charleston is collaborating, again, this year with the following organizations or events that coincide each Friday night: Special Olympics’ Summer Games, Capitol City Biker Bash, FestivALL Charleston, WTSQ – the Status Quo, Multi-Fest and the annual Sportsfest.
This year there are 38 sponsors including West Virginia Radio Corporation.
The series will last for 15 weeks from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. It and includes 29 different groups — including 20 first time performers, ten national touring acts and seven returning favorites.
For the full 2018 Live on the Levee music lineup, CLICK HERE.