Thursday Night Live kicks off June 1

People sit and eat in front of Spectators on High Street for Thursday Night Live on June 23, 2016.
People sit and eat in front of Spectators on High Street for Thursday Night Live on June 23, 2016.

For more than 10 years, Thursday Night Live has provided a prime, summertime performance platform for bands in Mid-Missouri, encouraging audiences to see more of their music live locally.

Indie rock favorite Down Side Up and St. Louis-based jazz ensemble Funky Butt Brass Band will open the 2017 eight-event series on June 1 in downtown Jefferson City, with attendees also receiving a tease for the Salute to America 2017 Capitol main stage line-up.

From 6-9 p.m. at each Thursday Night Live, bands deliver 45-minute sets, often playing longer gigs at nearby businesses and bars. Event director Jill Snodgrass said these "promo sets" become valuable marketing tools for the businesses that sponsor their performances.

"For example, new venue The Bridge is sponsoring many of the bands at upcoming Thursday Night Live events, hosting them in concert after our event is over," Snodgrass said. "It gives (the crowd) a taste. If they like the music, they can come into the venue and listen to them more later that night or over the weekend."

The Salute to America Preview will return for the Thursday Night Live kick-off event June 1. Even though the Capitol main stage entertainment announcement and Jefferson City native rockers Down Side Up are familiar, a set from St. Louis' Funky Butt Brass Band is a new addition this year. Snodgrass said event organizers were able to bring this group to Thursday Night Live through a Missouri Arts Council grant they received.

Thursday Night Live will "Flash Back!" June 8, featuring nationally touring country duo Terra Bella. Jefferson City's own Faded Youth will rock the stage with classics from the '50s, '60s and '70s, and women of rock tribute powerhouse Invincible Heart will also play.

The Wing Fest Thursday Night Live will return this year on June 15. Eight to 12 downtown Jefferson City bars and restaurants will serve their best wings, and those purchasing one of 300 ballots available can vote for their favorite.

"The winner will receive the coveted Chicken Award," Snodgrass added, noting ballots are $5 each.

Garage pop rock-and-roll duo Bruiser Queen from St. Louis, Jefferson City classic rockers Notorious and national touring indie/alternative band Frances & the Foundation will perform.

On June 22, Mid-America Harley-Davidson will again sponsor a motorcycle ride-in where bikers are invited to park in the festival district prior to 6 p.m. to show their bikes. Three classic rock acts - Blackwater, Aces Wild and SoulRoot - will take turns entertaining attendees that evening.

The popular Giant Sand Beach Party return to Thursday Night Live on June 29, featuring headliner Groovethang. Opening that night is another unique addition to the Thursday Night Live line-up, Permanent Party. Snodgrass said the National Air Guard is hosting the rock band, which is a smaller element of the Guard band. Adding to the atmosphere, sand is brought in to create a giant "beach" on Madison Street.

Thursday Night live will present a special edition from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 19 prior to the much anticipated Capital Eclipse Celebration. Snodgrass said two or three bands will perform, along with activities to recognize the total eclipse on Aug. 21.

Two additional Thursday Night Live events will close out the 2017 series on the second Thursdays in September and October. Soup Stock is the theme in September, and guests can purchase one of 300 ballots for $5 each to cast their vote in a variety of soups from participating downtown restaurants. Bands will perform at this event and at the October Zombie Night Live finale, which encourages guests to dress in their best zombie costumes.

"This is always a fun, huge Halloween party downtown," Snodgrass said.

Guests ages 21 and older can buy a $2 wristband to drink alcohol in the designated festival boundary district. Snodgrass said that is one way organizers have estimated attendance, averaging about 2,500-3,000 at one event.

No outside coolers or pets are allowed at Thursday Night Live events. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and guests ages 16-21 must present an ID at the gate. Entrances are the corner of Monroe and High, at the corner of Madison and High at the alley, and at the corner of Jefferson and High.

For more information, contact the Downtown Jefferson City Association at 573-291-3524 or downtownjeffersoncity.com, or find Thursday Night Live updates at Facebook.com/thursdaynightlivejc.