25 bands performing at Bo Diddley Plaza at Free Fridays Concert Series for entire family

The lineup of performers for the Free Friday Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza ranges from music more familiar to Boomers all the way to today's hip hop, and a bit of sacred steel from the African-American gospel tradition.

Nigel Hamm, Bo Diddley Plaza coordinator, said the headliner for this year's series, that began May 6 and runs through Oct. 21, is "The Leeboys," a nationally known group based in Miami that plays a mix of gospel and soul.

“This will be special treat for May 27,” said Hamm, adding the line up includes more local and regional bands. Closing the concert series on Oct. 21 will be The Imposters, a Beatles tribute band.

New this year, Hamm said, the Fridays Concert Series will be held from 7-9 p.m. to draw more families to Bo Diddley Plaza and support local restaurants. Hamm said on some Fridays there will be two bands playing 45-50 minute sets.

“We have a good variety, highlighting local and regional groups,” said Hamm, adding the takeaway is for concert goers “to appreciate the variety of bands and the talent Gainesville has.”

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Concert line up

May 13: Palimony (psycheledic country) with Jordan Burchel (indie pop)

May 20: Crooked Counsel ('60s & '70s rock)

May 27: The Leeboys (sacred steel)

June 3: Gainesville Retro Society (Chicago tribute band)

June 10: Heavy Petty (Tom Petty tribute)

June 17: Phillip “Jazz Dad” Thomas

June 24: Stereo Vudu (rock/blues/funk).

July 1: Tamayo (psychedelic jam) and Dionysis (jazz)

July 8: Fast Lane (funk, R&B)

July 15: Gainesville Big Band (jazz and swing).

July 22: The Ruckus (folk)

July 29: Jimmy Young & Passion (R&B)

Aug. 5: Dion Dia Presents (hip hop)

Aug. 12: DeLions of Jah (reggae)

Aug. 19: The Savants of Soul (soul)

Aug. 26: Matcha (funk rock) and Sooza Brass Band (bass band)

Sept. 2: Gest 20-yr Anniversary (showcase)

Sept. 9: Pet Detectives (90s rock & alternative covers)

Sept. 16: Wax Wings (with special guests, original folk rock)

Sept. 23: The Late Night Loser (with special guests, alternative rock)

Sept. 30: RC & Showtime (R&B, soul)

Oct. 7: The Last Waltz (The Band tribute)

Oct. 14: Morningbell (psychedelic rock and soul)

Oct. 21: The Imposters, The Beatles tribute band

Some of the bands spoke about their music and what they hope concert-goers take away from the experience.

The national headliner is The Leeboys Band, based out of Miami. Band leader Alvin Lee says their sound is called "sacred steel," which is described as an inspired, unique form of gospel music with hard-driving-blues based beat music.

"The music genre is rooted in gospel, but infused with rhyme and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip hop, country and ideas from another nations," said Lee. "I’m hoping the audience instantly recognize that this is not 'sitting and listening music': dancing, shouting out, and having fun are considered essential parts of our music. If we can touch one person through our music then our job is done.”

Dion Dia Presents is a hip hop and R&B band. Laila Fakhoury, one of the co-owners of Dion Dia Records, said the recording artists are local, and their music is hip hop and R&B but each artists incorporates eclectic sounds inspired by electronic, rock, house, and other sounds.

Fakhoury said via email, "We hope people take away an exciting energy when they see Hip Hop at Bo Diddley, a sound that is not often represented in that space. We also hope they feel more creative and motivated to bring their own beautiful art into the world. We hope they keep up with the artists on Dion Dia and watch their growth."

Palimony is a local band that describes their sound as psychedelic country music. Jacob Adams, who plays guitar, sings and writes music for the band, says he likes playing at the Free Fridays Concert Series because it's a consistently popular show series. Adams shared the takeaway: “My hope is to expand the audience as a band, as the audience experiences appreciation of the music and streaming shows.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville's Bo Diddley Plaza gets variety of music through summer