Monroe summer concert series begins June 23

Monroe - A summer concert series will be held downtown in Monroe on Thursday evenings June 23, July 21 and Aug. 25, Mayor James Purcell announced this week. The summer concerts have been planned as a series of fun-filled, family-friendly events and are free of charge. The first concert on Thursday, June 23, will take place on the lawn at the north end of Crane Park (the Ponds) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature “The Hitman Blues Band,” led by the veteran blues artist Russ “The Hit Man” Alexander. Millpond Parkway will be closed off to traffic and local restaurants will be selling food at vending stations along the Parkway. There also will be large inflatables for children to jump around in. Bring your own blankets and chairs. To find out more about “The Hitman Blue Band” and to sample the group’s music, visit online at www.hitmanbluesband.com.