The summertime shows have returned.
The “Live in the Lot” summer concert and movie series starts Wednesday at the Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street parking lot. On the same day, the Emporia Public Library will start its noon hour “Brown Bag” concert series.
This is the sixth year for Live in the Lot, which will run each Wednesday through July 25, except for July 4. The series is organized by Flint Hills Music and Emporia Main Street.
All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. On movie nights, which occur every other week, the music usually lasts for about an hour. The films typically begin around 9 p.m. Featured this year are:
• Wednesday — Music by The Usual Suspects, movie “Radio.”
• June 13 — Music by Heal Me John Redcorn, Eric Murphy and Instant Grits.
• June 20 — Music by Lexie Dawson and the Hitchhikers, movie “Charlotte’s Web.”
• June 27 — Music by Altered to Offer and by Lee Mueller and the Spare Parts.
• July 11 — Music by Between the Lines, movie “Open Season.”
• July 18 — Music by Vermyllion, M-Theory and Portrait of Malice.
• July 25 — Music by the DeWayn Brothers, movie “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Brown Bag concerts at the Emporia Public Library will begin Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. and run through July 25, except for July 4. Performances, held in the library courtyard, are free of charge. In case of rain or extreme heat, the concerts will be held inside the library. Seating is limited, so attendees may wish to bring chairs.
The first program features Richard Renner of Lawrence as the VodVill Klown. His Slapstick Circus show “has laughs and thrills for children and all ages,” according to the press release.
• June 13: The Chuck Cowan Trio, made up of Lane Ryno, Herb Houchin and Cowan, will perform a variety of music, from jazz to rock to country.
• June 20: Carson and Barnes Circus Preview.
• June 27: Tallgrass Express String Band featuring bluegrass, country, cowboy, Celtic and gospel music.
• July 4: No concert. Emporia’s 150th anniversary parade and street festival.
• July 11: “Emporia Idol,” local singers perform and are judged by the audience. Prizes will be awarded. To register, call the library at 340-6462.
• July 18: Studio 2B Folklore dancers and more.
• July 25: Bongo Barry — a popular favorite with children and all ages — “Let’s make music together.”
Lunch items and snacks will be available for purchase from the Dog Gone Brothers and Sweet Granada. Hot dogs and sausage sandwiches, nachos, root beer and water will be for sale, along with sweet treats.