BEATS ON THE BOULEVARD

SOMEWHAT LIKE A MINI BESSIE SMITH STRUT, THIS NEW EVENT OFFERS MUSIC AND FOOD WHILE ST ROLLING THE CLOSED STREET

Beats on the Boulevard, a new event combining busking with support for businesses along East M.L. King Boulevard, is set for Saturday, March 31, from noon to 10 p.m.

A j oint effort of River City Co., Sound- Corps and Jazzanooga, Beats on the Boulevard is designed to highlight Chattanooga’s variety of l ocal musicians while supporting MLK businesses that are being affected by the boulevard’s closure for road construction.

Additionally, the event will serve as an audition process for the 2018 Sidewalk Stages program. Sidewalk Stages, a street performance initiative organized by SoundCorps, is designed to animate Chattanooga public spaces with live local music throughout the year. Sidewalk Stages auditions will take place from noon to 6 p. m. Registration has closed for auditions.

For Saturday’s special event, Memo’s Grill will open from noon to 5 p.m.

Visitors to Beats on the Boulevard will be entertained by the following musicians, in addition to those auditioning for Sidewalk Stages at 2 Sons Kitchen and Market:

6-8 p.m. Courtney Reid at Chatt Smoke House, 416 E. M.L.King Blvd.

6- 8 p. m. Ogya World Music Band at G’s Detroit Sausages, 611 E. M.L.King Blvd. 6-8 p.m. Hip-Hop CHA at Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, 736 E. M.L. King Blvd. 7-10 p.m. Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers at OddStory Brewing Co., 336 E. M.L. King Blvd. 8-10 p. m. Swayyvo at Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., 431 E. M.L. King Blvd. 8-10 p.m. Amber Fults at Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken, 526 E. M.L. King Blvd.

Beats on the Boulevard is free and no ticket is required. Comparable to a mini Bessie Smith Strut, it’s designed for Chattanoogans to come stroll along the boulevard while the street is closed, listen to music and have dinner or drinks at one of the eateries or watering holes.

While t his event is designed to be f amily friend, OddStory and Hutton & Smith are ages 21-and-up establishments.

For more information: 423-265-3700.

STAFF FILE PHOTOS From left: Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers will play Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at OddStory Brewing Co. Rocker Amber Fults will play Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. at Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken during Beats on the Boulevard. Swayyvo will play at...