Enjoy some of downtown's best live music this summer at Park Central Square in a free concert series Sounds on the Square presented by Pension Consultants.

Bring your lawn chairs or enjoy dinner on the square in one of three outdoor cafes while enjoying great local music. Going downtown for a night out is always a special event, it's all part of the Downtown Difference.

Tonights featured performers are:
5:00 pm
A Fond Farewell
A new band to the Springfield music scene A Fond Farewell (AFF) has a unique sound and a driving beat that will make you want more. Their influences include Ok Go, Jason Mraz, Death Cab For Cutie, Franz Ferdinand, Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, and Ben Folds. Visit AFondFarewell MySpace page to hear a few AFF tunes.

6:30 pm
Nigel & the Ghost
A four piece that started in a space under the stairs and worked their way to a room full of toys. Featuring Mike Holmes on guitar, vocals, and noise; Cory Willhite. in charge of words; Aaron Wright on Drums, good looks; Jade on bass, and everything else we dont want to deal with. "We sound like the blues and rock with everything outside or in between." Learn more about Nigel & the Ghost.

7:30 pm
Brother Wiley Band
It's James Taylor meets Crosby, Stills & Nash, with a dash of The Byrds, sprinkled with Buffalo Springfield, and shredded Pure Prairie League layered across the top. Mixed with just the right amount of locally-grown, raucous Ozarks joie de vivre, and brought to a boil at just the right time, it will make you prettier. And taller. For the adventuresome, dip generously in Tom Petty. Enjoy with a tall glass of love--that's right, friends, homebrewed love--and you got yourself some songs that'll burn your soul. But no aftertaste. To learn more about Brother Wiley, please visit Brother Wiley.

9:00 pm
The Hillbenders
The HillBenders are a seasoned group of talented bluegrass musicians hailing from all over the country. With interests and influences as far-reaching as their hometowns, the sound they produce is unique and captivating. Drawn together by a mutual desire to write and perform original music, the HillBenders combine the traditions of bluegrass with a diversity of influences creating a sound unlike any you've heard before.

Not only do all four members write and arrange their own music, they all sing incredibly well. Most songs boast 3 and or 4-part harmonies and the lead vocal role is shared among the group. Be prepared to be amazed by some of the best "unknown" voices in Bluegrass music today! The same can be said of the instrumental prowess of the band. Led by the formidable banjo playing of Mark Cassidy, the intricate instrumental parts in their music leave the crowd in awe. With tight arrangements and solo's as well as commanding vocals and harmonies there is little left to be desired after watching the HillBenders in concert.

The HillBenders came together in late March '08 after the break-up of a former band (The Arkamo Rangers)left three of it's members (Mark Cassidy and Jim & Gary Rea) picking up the pieces and looking for a fresh start. To learn more and hear a some Hillbender tunes, please visit The Hillbenders.

The family friendly concert series continues on Fridays and Saturdays for the first three weekends in June and the last three weekends in July. Admission is FREE so plan to come out before or after dinner at one of the 40 Downtown restaurants.

For more information, please contact Kathryn by phone at 417-831-6200 or by email at Kathryn.

This concert series is brought to you by Pension Consultants, Hoover Music, Empire Bank, The Community Improvement District, Sounds Great Integration, Trader's Printing, The Band Room, and The Urban Districts Alliance.With special thanks to Brain Candy Photography, David Spivey, and Paul "Chopper" Robinson.