The Irie Lions, a Fayetteville-based reggae band, will provide the entertainment for the third in the series of Bridge Street LIVE! free public concerts being presented each Thursday in the Bridge Street entertainment district.
Steel drum artist Darril Harp Edwards will be the opening act at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Irie Lions will perform from 7-10 p.m.
Thursday's event will be the third of four Bridge Street LIVE! free concerts and entertainment events sponsored by Visit Hot Springs each Thursday in June to inaugurate the newly expanded entertainment district, according to a news release. The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted to expand the entertainment district in 2019 but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented events from being held there in 2020.
The entertainment district guidelines allow patrons over 21 to freely walk the district with beer, wine or spirits as long as those beverages are in a special Bridge Street LIVE! Entertainment District cup. The Bridge Street LIVE! events are confined to an area immediately surrounding Bridge Street that does not include the west side of Central Avenue.
"The establishment of the entertainment district allows for more relaxed rules governing activities, food and beverages within the district during special events," the release said.
The Irie Lions are a reggae band based in Fayetteville. "The band ranges from nine to 10 members, with a full horn section. They feature smooth vocals, bodacious hooks, catchy melodies and funky grooves," the release said.
Darril Harp Edwards was born in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and has a strong passion for the islands' national instrument, the steel drums, it said.
"Harp" has "developed an international following as a steel drum percussionist," the release said.
Bridge Street LIVE! concerts begin at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. People of all ages are welcome to come enjoy the free music and entertainment, according to the release. The sale of alcoholic beverages is limited to people 21 or older. Dogs must be on a leash. There will be food vendors in the district.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own folding chairs.
Bridge Street and Malvern Avenue, between Convention Boulevard and Spring Street, will be closed from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday for the event, the city said in a release.
Detour signs will be in place, and motorists are advised to use an alternate route when traveling in this area.
The final Bridge Street LIVE! Event on Thursday, June 24, will feature Funkytown playing Memphis funk.