The Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) will launch the Close to Home free summer concert series on Wednesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. with local vocalist and guitarist Andy Fox.
The Close to Home summer concert series events will be held outside the lobby doors of the PAC, 300 South Fountain Avenue in downtown Springfield. All featured talent are local performers.
“This is to help fill voids in the community where all of the traditional music and entertainment has been canceled,” said Adele Adkins. “People can come out with their family, their friends, their coworkers and enjoy music on a beautiful Wednesday night.”
Food trucks will be on site and a full-service bar will be available. No tickets are required for the Close to Home concert events.
Fox, known for an eclectic range of fingerstyle pieces in a variety of genres, featuring old blues, classic and contemporary roots music, pop and rock will donate his services and kick off the Close to Home series. Selections range from Robert Johnson and John Hurt to Lennon-McCartney, Chet Atkins and lesser-known contemporary fingerstyle players.
The series will continue with a performance by Springfield native DJ DIVA (Nettie Carter-Smith) on Wednesday, July 8.
Carter-Smith recently retired from Clark County Juvenile Court after more than 31 years of public service. She currently serves as the director of community relations at the Rocking Horse Community Health Center. Carter-Smith has a passion and heart for music and service to her community. She currently is also a Clark State Foundation Board Member.
Kent Brooks, a former music educator with Dayton Public Schools and Clark State's Project Jericho Program, will round out the summer Close to Home music series on August 5. Brooks serves as the director of music and worship for High Street United Methodist Church in Springfield and conducts The IMANI Gospel Choir. He also teaches voice at Wittenberg University. He is the recipient of many awards, and his works as a performer, arranger and composer have crossed multiple genres.
Patrons attending the Close to Home concert series are strongly encouraged to bring their own seating and follow state directives for physical distancing and wearing a face covering.