Guitar solos filled the air Friday night with a salsa flair as a jazz guitarist took the stage for a unique installment of Main Street Live.

The concert was met with 80 degree temperatures. 

“It’s hot, but let’s make it hotter,” said jazz guitarist Denny Jiosa, who played in a style that could be compared to Carlos Santana.

The event attracted listeners who can appreciate the energetic, vibrant sound offered by Jiosa. 

“We love jazz,” said Brad Warntz, as he and his wife, Leila, waited in line for ice cream sundaes. “We’ve been coming to Main Street Live for years. We are so glad they decided to bring it back this year. When last year’s was canceled, we were concerned that it wouldn’t come back.”

Four-legged lovers of jazz were also in attendance.

“I don’t really know if she likes jazz, but I love it,” said Peggy Foster, who brought her dog Little Liza Jane to the show. “This is her second time here, but the first was canceled. We’ll see how much see likes jazz when the music starts.”

Canceled was Forever Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band.

“We are trying to reschedule that performance,” said Katie Kemezis, a Main Street McMinnville board member. “We’re trying to figure out a time that works for both the band and us. Hopefully, we can set a date.” 

Up next in the series is the Joe Harvey Band offering classic rock. Harvey takes the Main Street Live stage on July 2 at 7 p.m. on the West Lawn of Security Federal Savings Bank. See Wednesday’s edition of the Southern Standard for more about that performance. 

Concerts are a production of Main Street McMinnville and are free thanks to generous sponsorships.