Music on the Main gets funky Aug. 28

By Kathy Chouteau

Richmond Main Street Initiative is getting funky downtown for the August installment of its Music on the Main concert series.

On Wed., Aug., 28, 2019, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Marina Way & Macdonald Ave. in Richmond, the free-admission summer concert series will feature two funk-fusion bands: SAMBAFUNK! and the GTS Band. While SAMBAFUNK! (whose supporters are called “Funkquarians”), describe the band’s music as bringing to life the essence of Carnaval, GTS Band touts itself as one of the Bay Area’s premiere Latin Funk Soul Bands.

With Richmond City Councilmember Melvin Willis stepping up as Music on the Main’s August grand marshal—in addition to the live musical entertainment and dancing—the family friendly concert event will include food trucks, a Happy Hour (East Brother Beer, The Living Apothecary and Main Street Margaritas), artisan vendors, the Mobile Farmer’s Market, info booths, prizes, giveaways and a fun Youth Zone. Also on hand will be Zumba breaks and RPAL music program students.

Now in its 18^th year, the Music on the Main concert series “has brought thousands of people downtown to enjoy a night on the town filled with music, food, and family fun,” according to its organizer, Richmond Main Street Initiative. “Each concert features a variety of musical performances, arts and crafts activities for children, local entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations and food.”

Organizers also call Music on the Main “a critical tool that Richmond Main Street uses to engage the community, provide business opportunities to local entrepreneurs and district merchants, and build a strong arts and entertainment district.”

Joining Chevron Richmond in making Music on the Main possible through their generous support are Kaiser Permanente, Mechanics Bank, San Francisco Bay Ferry, Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union, LifeLong Medical Care, AC Transit, Republic Services, Richmond Build, East Brother Beer Company and the City of Richmond. Additional support comes from volunteers and the Downtown Richmond Property and Business Improvement District (DRPBID).

For more info on Richmond Main Street’s Music on the Main concert series, contact 510-236-4049, admin@richmondmainstreet.org or click here.