First annual concert series features two free shows in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. – Two Hastings businesses are organizing the first annual 'Downtown Summer Sounds' concert series, which features two free outdoor concerts. 

Frahm Bar and First Street Brewing announced the concert series in July.

Co-Owner of Frahm Bar Cortney Davis and Jessi Hoeft of First Street Brewing created this event to promote the downtown Hastings area and businesses. 

"We just want to bring people downtown, we want to bring them downtown to walk around the shops, see what we're doing downtown," said Davis. "There's a lot of local entrepreneurs working really hard to make downtown Hastings a great place."

The first concert is Thursday, July 25, and will be held outside of First Street Brewing in between 1st and 2nd St. Hastings-area bands 'Gracie's Uncles' and 'The First and Saint Joe Band' will perform beginning at 7 p.m.

The first concert will also coincide with the Downtown Farmer's Market.

The second concert is Thursday Sept. 12, and will be outside of Frahm Bar also in between 1st and 2nd St.
Rascal Martinez is the performer for that night that also begins at 7 p.m.

Davis says their main focus was to make the concert series affordable. 

"One of our biggest goals was to make it free," said Davis. "We have a lot of concerts in downtown, but they all cost, currently. We were wanting to give people a reason to come downtown."

Davis says food vendors, including the debut of the Back Alley Bakery food truck, will be at both concerts. 

Both concerts are free, and bringing your own seating is recommended. Gates open at 5 p.m. both nights.

Organizers are hoping for a good turnout this year to make this an annual tradition.