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HomeNewsJammin’ in the Alley sizzles in the summer heat.

Jammin’ in the Alley sizzles in the summer heat.

Jammin' in the Alley LogoClarksville, TN – Jammin’ in the Alley returned to Strawberry Alley last night with the ever popular McAlister’s Crossroads. The free concert Series produced by the Clarksville Department of Parks and Recreation with the assistance of US Bank and other great sponsors, gives local bands some outstanding exposure to area residents.

Several hundred people gathered to enjoy the concert, many drawn in by a mention by News Channel 5 during their evening newscast. They were reporting on the addition of a “Night Market” which featured some of the many venders from the Downtown Market held each weekend below City Hall. The night market will become a regular feature of Jammin’ in the Alley according to the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department staff.

Jammin' In the Alley on July 16th Featuring McAlister's Crossroads
Jammin' In the Alley on July 16th Featuring McAlister's Crossroads

With members coming from different musical backgrounds McAlister’s Crossroads was able to play classic rock hits along with a little bit of funk. This musical mix proved popular with the crowd as the area in front of the stage filled up with dancers both young and old. The band consists of Donald Greene- Vocals, Guitar; Randy Suggs- Vocals, Drums; Jim Meek- Vocals, Bass; Matt Jones- Vocals, Guitar; Jason Runyon- Vocals, Guitar.

Steve Kimmer
Steve Kimmer

Community President and District Manager of U.S. Bank, Steve Kemmer, expressed his company’s continued support for the free concert series, “U.S. Bank is pleased to support Jammin’ in the Alley and other unique and exciting events that The City of Clarksville offers to our community. These programs are part of what makes Clarksville, Tennessee such a great place to live and work — and a place that all of us are proud to call home”

The performance was briefly interrupted by a summer storm bringing with it much needed rain to the heat parched streets of our city. Those who planned ahead opened up umbrellas, while the majority of the crowd packed under the overhangs of businesses lining the streets of Strawberry Alley. The storm didn’t last too long, and the music continued after a short break while stage was dried; as Parks and Recreation Maintenance Staff used a leaf blower to blow dry the stage.

Parks and Recreation Maintenance Staff drying off the stage after the brief summer storm
Parks and Recreation Maintenance Staff drying off the stage after the brief summer storm

The music was scheduled to end at 8:00 pm; a time I consider much too early. However due to the large crowd still on hand, and the earlier rain delay Parks and Recreation staff continued the entertainment until at least 10:00pm.

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The Next Jammin’ in the Alley

Renay Ross of The Next Level
Renay Ross of The Next Level

The next Jammin’ in the Alley concert is scheduled for August 19 with the band The Next Level featuring Renay Ross.  Ross is a female vocalist and songstress, who has performed at many venues in the Clarksville area. She was born in Indiana then later moved and grew up in Tennessee.

Renay had the opportunity to perform with other local bands but has now taken it to the next level to show her own talents in performing front and center. The Next Level Band brings to the stage, live entertainment, which consists of a variety of cover tunes for all listeners to enjoy.

Over the last few years the band has performed at the musical events throughout the region, including Jazz on the Lawn, The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event held at the Wingate Hotel, the Front Page Deli, Weddings, Class Reunions, and many other Benefits.

Among Renay’s favorite musical styles are: Neo-Soul, R&B, and Jazz. Renay’s style of singing has been influence by artist such as; Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Chaka Kahn, Sade, and Alicia Keys. Renay is currently involved in song writing, with her daughter, Anesha, to produce her 1st CD project.

Bill Larson
Bill Larson
Bill Larson is  is politically and socially active in the community. Bill is a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave. You can reach him via telephone at 931-249-0043 or via the email address below.
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