Concerts are free for all community members to enjoy

Entourage performs in a past year during the Friday Night Music Series. Morgan Hill Life file photo.

By Brittney Sherman

Brittney Sherman

Morgan Hill residents are excited about the return of the Friday Night Music Series.

“At this point, I would go to hear an 8-year old practice the flute!”

“Bring back the live music! Our souls are begging to dance again!”

“Can’t wait for this vital community event to return!”

These are just a few of the many comments the chamber received from a survey distributed in March 2021 to gauge the interest of the community in supporting the return of the popular series. In seven days, 623 people responded with 87 percent confirming their support to attend. That was back in March when vaccines had just begun being administered so we can only assume the level of support is even greater now, as Santa Clara County celebrates a 75 percent vaccination rate.

We were devastated to be forced to cancel last year’s FNMS. We know how important this entertainment event is to our community, our performers, and our local businesses. However, things are beginning to return to normal as we read in the May 21 “Beyond the Blueprint Guideline” published by the California Department of Public Health. Effective June 15, this guideline approves the return of all sectors in the Blueprint to normal operations with a single exception for “Mega Events” classified as indoor events of 5,000 attendees and outdoor events of 10,000 attendees.

Although Santa Clara County has the final say on whether stricter health guidelines will be implemented, at this time we feel confident enough to move forward with plans for a 2021 season.

The proposed series will take place every Friday night from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater beginning Aug. 6 and ending Oct. 8. The event remains free for all community members to enjoy and this year’s lineup will feature both fan favorites as well as a few newcomers that were highly requested by the community. This year we are highlighting and celebrating the cultural diversity of Morgan Hill by securing a performance from a different cultural group each concert evening from 6 to 6:30 p.m. To receive updates on the series you can follow us on Facebook @Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series.

We think this survey comment sums up the feelings of this beloved community event best, “FNMS was not only a great weekly event to watch and support the huge number of local bands, but it added support for downtown businesses, gave credence to the city and provided a great environment to promote arts/music for all ages!”

After nearly two years away, we look forward to welcoming everyone back the FNMS to dance the night away under the bright lights to the best live music in the South Valley.