Market Square will come alive with the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, blues, Americana, and other music this spring and summer, with free concerts planned for Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Tuesdays will see the return of last year's popular "Jazz on the Square" series. Beginning May 1st, local jazz musicians will take the stage on the Bill Lyons Pavilion every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, selected Thursday evenings will be home to the new Market Square Concert Series, sponsored by the City of Knoxville, WDVX, and Stellar Visions and Sound. It will spotlight local and regional acts in a range of genres to create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere on the Square.

The first concert, on April 26, will feature the Grassroots Gringos, a rising area band that describes its sound as "Old-time Island Mountain Music." The band is made up of local young professionals who have a passion for Appalachian roots music. Further dates and performers will be announced shortly, including some specifically for children.

"Past concert series have shown that Knoxvillians love hearing music on Market Square," said Judith Foltz, the City's Director of Special Events. "These shows, featuring mostly acoustic performers, will add to the Square's lively ambiance."

There will be no alcohol or food sold on Market Square during the concerts, apart from that available on the patios of surrounding restaurants. But concertgoers are invited to bring chairs or blankets to sit on the Square and enjoy the shows.