Main Street Music Series Rocks Downtown Farmville

The weather was gloomy, but that didn’t stop the Main Street Music Series from kicking off in full effect on Thursday, May 15. The event, originally scheduled at the Crute Stage in Downtown Farmville, was moved to the Café at Poplar Hall due to heavy rainfall in the area.

The Main Street Music Series provided an assortment of musical entertainment for all ages, including a special belly dance performance by Ashley “Hoopgirl” Russell and Amena Sims. The Café at Poplar Hall supplied beverages and a special Main Street Music Series menu, which consisted of pork tamales, fish tacos and vegetarian stuffed peppers.

Guests for the evening relaxed as they listened to the sounds of musicians Sean Kimmel, The Buffalo Band (formerly the Gary Hickman Band) and Los Carleenos.  Kimmel’s raw sound displayed beautiful melodies and deep emotion as his songs reflected themes of love, loss and pain.  The local band, Los Carleenos, opened their set with the bluesy number “Fever” and kept the energy high with their interpretation of various rock and soul songs.  The Buffalo Band, which features local business owner Gary Hickman, is no stranger to rocking the crowd and their performance did not disappoint.  Belly dancer Amena Sims stated, “Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances. I’m happy to be a part of Main St. Music Series. It brings this town together.”

This is the second season that the Main Street Music Series has returned to Farmville under the leadership of a committee from the Farmville Downtown Partnership.  According to a press release from the office of the Farmville Downtown Partnership, “We’re very focused on the cultural enrichment of Farmville,” said Spencer Conover of Hampden-Sydney College, chair of FDP’s Main Street Music committee. “For example, our lineup this season is diverse and features local and regional talent. We’ve got bands coming from all across the Heart of Virginia, the Commonwealth, and from as far away as Jacksonville, Florida.” Even as the music series reaches beyond Southside Virginia, Conover is quick to point out, “We’re kicking off the season with a showcase of some of Farmville’s best talent.”

The Main Street Music Series will be held on the third Thursday of every month, from May to September.  Next month, the series will return to its original location at the Crute Stage.  All concerts will run from 6-9 p.m. “So bring your blankets and chairs, stretch out in the grass, grab some dinner, and enjoy the music for three hours every month,” Conover said. “Because of the generosity of our sponsors, the concerts are free for the community. We are receiving amazing support for this second season,” commented Conover in the press release.

“I really think Farmville needs more cultural events like the Main St. Music Series,” said belly dancer Ashley “Hoopgirl” Russell.  “It was great to be out there with the bands and dance with them. It’s not only a good time for the people who come out to see the show, but it’s a great opportunity for the performers who have made music their passion. I think it’s great that they get to share that passion with their community. To me, it’s like giving back to the people who inspire you to do what you do.”

Sponsors for the Main Street Music Series include WFLO, Mainly Clay, Fourth Street Motor Company, Virginia Credit Union, Terry Atkins Wilson, Attorney & Counselor at Law and Real Living Cornerstone.