Sundown in the City Replaced By Market Square Concert Series

For many years,  Sundown in the City was a popular event for many Knoxville residents. For 15 years, it was a free concert series put on by AC Entertainment taking place in Market Square and drawing thousands of Knoxville residents. This year, however, Sundown in the City has been replaced by the Market Square Concert Series.

It will take place on Thursday evenings during this spring and summer, sponsored by the City of Knoxville, WDVX, and Stellar Visions and Sound. It is meant to draw a family atmosphere and celebrate local and regional musicians. The series kicks off on Thursday, April 26th with a concert by the Grassroots Gringos, a local Knoxville bluegrass band.  More dates and performances are expected to be announced soon.

One of the reasons cited for Sundown in the City’s cancellation is that the event had outgrown its location in recent years. When the series was started 15 years ago, it was started to bring people downtown. In recent years, the event had drawn crowds of more that 12,000 people.

In addition to the Market Square Concert Series, on Tuesday nights Market Square will all be home to Jazz on the Square, which was started last summer. Starting on May 1st, local jazz musicians will take the stage every Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to these summer concerts, Market Square also has “Shakespeare in the Square” and “Movies In the Square.”

While Sundown in the City was a popular event for Knoxville residents, these concerts will offer a more family friendly environment for people to explore all that downtown has to offer. Downtown Knoxville is home to many restaurants and unique shopping locations.

What do you think of this new event? Will it successfully replace Sundown in the City?