Multiple downtown businesses have joined forces to create the 2nd Street Fam Jam, an outdoor live music experience. Establishments on 2nd Street wanted to capitalize on the weekly road closure during Friday After 5 and decided to host their own concert series in conjunction with the longstanding Owensboro tradition.
The event’s organizers include Mellow Mushroom, The Pub on Second, The Famous Bistro, Brasher’s Little Nashville, and Don Mario. Derek Stone, general manager at Mellow Mushroom, said they are also collaborating with the City of Owensboro to have tables in the middle of 2nd Street, with the stage’s rear situated against St. Ann Street and the front facing westward.
“We plan on hosting several local artists. We’ll have cornhole, sidewalk chalk artist, and activities for kids,” Stone said. “We’ll also be pouring draught beer on the sidewalk and serving slices of pizza. I know our neighbors will be doing something similar.”
The event will run from 6:30-9:30 each Friday from May 17 through August 2. The first event on May 17 will feature a rock group called the Farley Trio.
Stone said they’re always in support of the street closure for safety.
“With the road closed, we figured we should try to do something special with it,” he said. “We wanted to make something fun that’s welcoming and inviting to everyone and add to FA5. We’re doing business 365 days a year and hope the event can introduce more of the community to us.”
The restaurants all plan to offer maximum patio seating in addition to the tables in the streets.
Stone referred to the downtown business district as a family, always supporting each other.
“We named it the 2nd Street Fan Jam because this is our 2nd Street family coming together to try and provide something,” he said. “We’re really trying to promote the entertainment district down here on the riverfront and to create a place for everybody to come and enjoy, especially during the beautiful weather in the summer.”
Bill Brown with The Pub echoed Stone.
“This is huge for all of us because we’re all learning that there has to be a destination to bring people downtown,” Brown said. “Obviously, FA5 will be the main draw, but after being there for a couple of hours, they may want to head out to the bars and other places downtown. We’re going to make it a really cool environment.”
Brown also noted the value of the road closure.
“We want to show the City that we’re going to take advantage of the road closure, and that’s going to help everybody,” he said. “This was a really tough winter for a lot of businesses down here, so hopefully, this event and others like it can help make up for that. It’s cool that we’re all collaborating on this. We’ve had fun and gotten to know each other a little better, and that’s always a good thing.”
