Bridgeport Arts Council’s Summer Jam series kicked off Thursday with a crowd that arrived at Bridgeport City Park with enthusiasm and left quite pleased. 

 

Director of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Don Burton said he estimates that between 250 and 300 residents came out for the debut show which featured SteelTown Cowboy and the Davisson Brothers Band. 

 

“We were thrilled to be part of the Bridgeport concert series kick-off Thursday night,” said Chris Davisson. “The family atmosphere, crowd enthusiasm and weather could not have been any better.” 

 

Davisson, his brother Donnie Davisson, cousin Sammy Davisson and longtime friend Aaron Regester comprise the Davisson Brothers Band, known throughout the region and state. Among the band’s top radio hits are “Big City Cowboy” and “Jesse James.” 

 

Members of SteelTown Cowboy are frontman Scott Shelby; Rob Lightner, Nathan Shaffer, Gregory Charles Kerr and Jon Leff. 

 

This was Shelby’s first time to play at Bridgeport City Park and he said he found it to be a great venue – packed with great people. The best part of any show, he said, is seeing audience members enjoying the show and singing along. Though his band and their material – much of it original – were new to Bridgeport, he did see some lips moving. 

 

“We had a few regulars there singing along,” Shelby said. “Hopefully, the others will learn soon.” 

Shelby said he hopes to make a return visit to Bridgeport City Park. 

 

The next Summer Jams session is scheduled for Thurs., July 21 with music again starting at 7 p.m. featuring Greg Harrison and band. Harrison announced just this weekend that he was suffering from vocal cord irritation and therefor taking a little time off from performing. Saturday night, he said he isn’t certain whether or not he and/or his band will be able to make Thursday’s show. Connect-Bridgeport will follow up with that information. 

 

The series continues with Annie Neely on July 28, The Masons on Aug. 4, Wyatt Turner on Aug. 11 and Dennis McClung on Aug. 18. On Aug. 26, Bridgeport Arts Council will host Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. for a dinner concert at Bridgeport Conference Center. 

Implementing an Olympic theme, ticket packages are available in gold ($100), silver ($85) or bronze ($70.) The cost includes an up-scale dinner prepared by the culinary staff of Bridgeport Conference Center. Menu is to be announced soon. Find more information at the Bridgeport Arts Council Web site HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Photos of the Davisson Brothers Band and the crowd which gathered for Thursday's show are courtesy Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton.