LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — Thursday Night Live in London downtown came to a close this season with juiced up rockabilly, performed by Hillbilly Casino and TNL Chairman Michael Sliter said each season keeps getting bigger and better.

“We’re just overall improving the look and we do what we can within our budget to make it a little better each year,” Sliter said.

The event is completely sponsored by local businesses including their title sponsor Cumberland Valley National Bank (CVNB), who is in their sixth year supporting TNL.  This year, the event began in June with an increased stage production overall, with a larger stage, more lighting and a backdrop.  A change Sliter believes makes a big difference for not only the band but also the spectators. Only two nights of the season had to cancel one due to inclement weather conditions, which comprised of a violent thunderstorm.

“We were hoping it would pass, it was hard to tell.  We are at the mercy of the weather,” Sliter said.  “We tried to pull through that night and at the stroke of 7 o’clock the rain came down.”

Violent lightening and heavy wind did not deter the event from continuing on through the weeks though, not even in the 100 degree summer heat.  Crowds visited the Main Street event this summer in the hundreds, with up to 350 in attendance.  

“TNL is great because it gives anyone that wants it an opportunity to experience great music that’s outside the mainstream, for free, locally.  My favorite part is watching the kids whose parents come up to listen to the bands.  Their kids have a lot of fun playing in the street and drawing with the sidewalk chalk,” said Jamie Harrison, committee member of TNL and loan officer at CVNB.

Bands that jammed on the court house steps this season included Lexington’s Pre-Fab Rehab, Level Ground, Tidalwave Road and laurel River Line, Generation Gap and Cornbread Mafia to name a few.  In the past, the event would allow 30 minutes before the show to be solely dedicated to local talent with an “open mic” but when the talent didn’t show so did the early program, Sliter said.

“That’s something we would love to bring back but we just have to have the participation,” he added.

TNL is looking to involve the community more and Sliter hopes an improved production can be a big part of that.  “Next year I just want to see more people taking advantage of these free concerts, it’s a great opportunity to hear some good music that they might not otherwise experience without making a trip out of town,” Harrison said.

The TNL Committee is open to band suggestions for the 2013 season, as well as band demos.  For more information visit thursdaynightlivedowntown.com.



mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com