The Spring 2018 season of Live at Five wrapped with a bang, but that doesn’t mean the music has died. Music fans can look forward to SummerTunes – the same great vibes in the same great location. This music series kicks off on the second Saturday in June in Town Square Park. Mark your calendars for June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28 and Aug. 11 and 25. The event starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.
While Live at Five is over until Sept. 21, Town Square Park will continue to bustle with eventgoers from all walks of life.
The final gathering of the spring Live at Five season brought family-friendly fun to the downtown district as attendees enjoyed food and friends while children crowded around a gazebo to draw horses set up for the occasion and ran around enjoying the atmosphere of Downtown Hattiesburg. The evening was highlighted with a performance by Hattiesburg native and guitarist Cary Hudson.
“The first time I saw someone play the guitar I wanted one,” Hudson said. “It was love at first sight.” Hudson mentioned that this was not his first time playing for Live at Five and always finds it a great pleasure.
“I just love Downtown Hattiesburg, so it is great to be able to come down here and do my job,” Hudson said. “Live at Five is free, in the heart of Hattiesburg, and the music is always good.”
Locals agree with the singer and songwriter. “I love Live at Five because it is dedicated to Mississippi,” said Hattiesburg native Wayne Young. “People can come out and enjoy great bands, food, drinks and others.”
Kyle Baughman, owner of Hub City Stained Glass, a member of the Pine Belt Pickers, where he plays mandolin, and friend of Hudson, accompanied Hudson’s guitar strummming.
“I have been coming to Live at Five since the beginning, and to see this park full of people and how its grown is very nice,” Baughman said.
The event has become a family affair for this Hub City local with many talents. “I love Hattiesburg, because it is slammed full of good folks,” Baughman said. “You can come, bring your kids, if you have them, and relax.”
While the people are what started and got behind Live at Five years ago, the event is not just about the music. There are also displays highlighting the talents of Hattiesburg locals. From jewelry and pottery artisans and food vendors, there are plenty of merchants ready to share their talents.
Carol Haynes, a new vendor at Live at Five, makes soaps, shampoos and various home treatments. “I love Live at Five because it helps me help a lot of people,” Haynes said.
Live at Five welcomes all individuals and groups from newcomers to long-time residents. Kayla Mitchell, coordinator of Extended Orientation programs at Southern Miss, said she has only lived in Hattiesburg for a year, but Live at Five helps her to understand the community. “I feel like a part of Hattiesburg when I come to these events,” she said.
“I enjoy that Live at Five is a place for everybody. All are welcomed here.” said Megan Wilkinson, assistant director of Greek life at Southern Miss.
Echoing those thoughts, Hattiesburg native and recent Southern Miss graduate Carolina Bradley added. “As I’ve grown up, I’ve seen the transitions of Hattiesburg and what it has become,” she said. “Live at Five is cool, because there is such a wide span of ages and all are welcome.”
From young to young at heart to furry friends, the crowd is home to those from all walks of life whose main concern is showing Downtown Hattiesburg support while enjoying great music and company in a beautiful setting.
As always, there’s free fun to have when you get Downtown!
Caleb McClusky is a summer intern with VisitHattiesburg.
