The Groovin’ on the Green concert will return on September 21 for its third year, offering a free evening of live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities on the lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy performances by Maestro J and Friends, the Unlimited Show Band, and The Michael Gough Group.
This year’s concert, which will run from 5-10 p.m., will mark a change in location for the event, which has been held at Moneta Sleet Jr. Park in previous years. Organizer Rafe Buckner explained the inspiration behind the move to downtown Owensboro.
“Originally, downtown was always the goal,” Buckner said. “We saw a void in this type of entertainment in Owensboro — multiple artists, a festival feel — and we wanted to create something to fill that. The Convention Center lawn downtown gives us room to grow and creates a great city vibe.”
Buckner noted that they were beginning to outgrow the park. He said their initial intentions in hosting it there were to draw more people to the park and incite potential upgrades, which they did. Those upgrades included expanding the playground and basketball court areas.
He said the new location will provide more space for the audience and event activities. He also noted that the people and the community make the show.
“We’re stepping into the unknown by moving downtown, but I’m excited,” he said. “I’ve seen the vibe of the shows down there, and I think it will be a great fit.”
The concert will feature a diverse musical lineup aimed at appealing to all ages. Maestro J and Friends, led by a violinist known for blending contemporary hits with classical style, will headline the event. Buckner expressed excitement about bringing Maestro J to Owensboro.
“I discovered Maestro J about 10 years ago from some videos of him playing popular music on the violin,” Buckner said. “He’s opened for big-name artists in Louisville, and people who have seen him say Owensboro is going to love him.”
The Unlimited Show Band, an R&B cover band, will perform songs from the 1970s to today. Meanwhile, The Michael Gough Group, a blues band from Russellville, will offer a unique set.
In addition to music, Groovin’ on the Green will offer a variety of activities for attendees. Food trucks and vendors will be set up, and kids can enjoy face painting and balloon art. Preventative health booths as well as arts and crafts vendors will also line the lawn.
There will be short breaks between musical acts. Local emcee Jane Smith will keep the crowd engaged with giveaways, including TVs and gift cards provided by local sponsors including Southern Star, Owensboro Health, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
“We’ve had great support from our sponsors,” Buckner said. “They’ve been with us every year, and we’re looking forward to growing this event even more in the future.”
