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MSL closes year with Back to School Bash
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Seth Wright photo Steve and Bonnie Davis enjoy dancing to the sounds of Forever Abbey Road during last week's Main Street Live. The popular summer concert series wraps up tonight with a performance from Utopia.

Main Street Live (MSL) is set to close out its 20th year at the West Lawn of Security Federal Savings Bank tonight with a rousing performance from Utopia. The free summer concert series presented by Main Street McMinnville (MSM) concludes tonight with a Back to School Bash designed to help with the not-always-welcome transition from summer to school. 

"Several local businesses and banks have generously contributed to a back-to-school drive, providing essential items for children that we'll be giving away on Friday. The event will feature activities like the Balloon Dude, a bouncy house and other exciting activities and giveaways for children," MSM Executive Director Jennifer Flatt Meredith said.

Utopia, a funk, soul and R&B band, is a long-time MSL favorite and typically brings one of the more enthusiastic crowd reactions of the concert series, actively encouraging the audience to get on their feet and dance. While MSL has thus far uncharacteristically made it through the entire lineup without a weather delay, contingency plans are in place in the event of inclement weather Friday night.

"In case of rain, the city has graciously agreed to let us use the Park Theater as a backup venue. Please stay tuned to social media for updates on Friday," Meredith said.

In reflecting on the milestone year for MSL, Meredith was pleased with the community's continuing embrace of the concert series and thanked the sponsors who help keep it free for audiences.

"This year, we’ve enjoyed amazing crowds and bands, with most nights drawing over 1,500 people to the Security  Federal Savings Bank West Lawn and bringing over 3,000 people to downtown McMinnville on Friday nights. We are forever grateful to our amazing sponsors, including Security Federal Savings Bank, the Law Office of Galligan and Newman, Main Street Media, Somewhere Liquors, Ben Lomand, MES, Warren County, the City of McMinnville, Dr Pepper Bottling Company, Bridgestone, Yorozu, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District, The Butcher on Main and Champion Chevy GMC of McMinnville. Thank you for making this season a success," Meredith said.

Vendor booths open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.