Click above image for a slideshow...

The Maryville-Alcoa-Blount Co. Recreation summer concert series "Songs by the Brook" kicked off last night at Springbrook Park in Alcoa. Singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd headlined the event.

In addition to the entertainment, there was a mini-farmer's market and BBQ by Bread of Heaven. We estimate attendance at 150 to 200, with lots of people walking in the park stopping by during the show. Murlin's Music (downtown Maryville) provided the sound system and it was excellent. We were amazed at the big, clear sound that filled the park from such tiny speakers.

The setting is perfect down by the creek in Springbrook Park. There's lots of room for families and kids to play. It's also a very dog friendly event, as you can see from the above photos.

The series kick off was a big success, and we look forward to the upcoming shows. (Here's the schedule.) Y'all come on out. And thanks to all the sponsors for putting on a great event.

Video clips of performances By Scott McMahan and headliner Jonathan Byrd after the break...

It was great fun. We had

It was great fun. We had expected to stay just a few minutes but stayed through the entire show, 3 sets. The weather was perfect as was the venue (just a little biased). I didn't have any problems with mosquitos. The singer in the second set got hung up a bit after swallowing a bug. He handled it quite gracefully.

Scott McMahan is a friend and

Scott McMahan is a friend and a great singer songwriter. He's performed for us several times, including Whites Creek Palooza last year. I think this series is a Scott McMahan production.

Jonathan Byrd is a treasure! His songs are poetry set to music and he's not half bad a guitar player, either. His side man, Johnny Waken is as good as it gets.

Keep it going: Jay Clark Aug 28

Jay Clark might be the best singer songwriter story teller in East Tn. He was the first artist at our music series at Ladd Landing in Kingston and has been back every time we can talk him into it. His story about how the TN tree Beavers got their name is worth the trip.

Warning: If you are a dog person...You may need to bring a hanky! Jay's dog songs can tear you up big time.

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