Music Under the Oaks brings free concerts to Bemiss neighborhood

The first of four Bemiss Neighborhood free summer concerts kicks off Friday with an electric performance by Pamela Benton.

Benton will play her electric violin and guitar at the Music Under the Oaks in Hays Park, on the corner of East Providence Avenue and North Crestline Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Benton performed last August in the neighborhood, said Kathryn Alexander, Bemiss Neighborhood Council co-chairwoman.

“It was a great success,” Alexander said. “We had about 60 people so we made it a regular event.”

This year the concert series will include four bands every other week through Aug. 26. The Bemiss Neighborhood Council and Alexander decided to begin the series with Benton after her popular previous performance.

“She was so wonderful,” Alexander said. “She is a sweet person and a great musician.”

Benton’s music ranges from rock to Celtic. The series will include two high energy and fast tempo groups, Johnny and the Moondogs and Rusty Jackson. The final group, Musha Marimba, showcases high school students.