Free show to be held prior to Hank Williams Jr. concert

Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. is set to take the stage at 7 p.m. Friday at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

Country music star Pat Green will open the show.

Those who arrive early for the outdoor concert will also be treated to another outdoor show by local band Jimmy Andrews and the 8 Second Ride

The country and Southern Rock band, fronted by Andrews, a Union County resident, will perform on the Union County Courthouse steps — east (Jefferson Avenue) side — from 5 until 6:30 p.m.

Jefferson Avenue between Main and Elm will be closed for part of the afternoon

Friday.

Main Street El Dorado is presenting the free concert.

Jimmy Lewis and the 8 Second Ride has performed at various venues in El Dorado and around the region.

The band’s musical repertoire is a mix of old-school and contemporary country music.

The band’s single, “Don’t Bring Out the Cowboy in Me”, has reached No. 23 on the Christian Music Weekly Country charts.

“Woman Amen” by Dierks Bentlely sits atop the charts.

Beth Brumley, executive director of MSE, said the group wanted to provide

live entertainment for visitors who may want to explore downtown before the Williams show.

“We wanted to have music down there in case people come to town early and wanted to get something to eat,” Brumley said. “If people are coming downtown, we wanted some atmosphere down there.”

She noted that MSE volunteers will assist MAD with the Williams show, and the group will rent chairs.

For more information, call the Main Street office at 870-862-4747 or visit Main Street’s Facebook page.

Visit www.eldomad.com for additional information or to purchase tickets for the Williams concert.