EVANSTON — The Music in the Air at Deport Square free concert series kicked off Thursday night, July 6, following the opening of the Evanston Farmers Market.

Sponsored by the Urban Renewal Agency, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and Roundhouse Restoration Inc., the series offers a free concert to the community every Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., through Aug. 24.

Kicking off the series was Salt Lake City soulful jazz performing artists, the Will Baxter Band.

The band consists of three professional musicians — Will Baxter Roney on guitar and vocals, Adam Fifield on bass and organ and Wachira Waigwa-Stone on drums — each with years of musical experience.

New to the concert series, the band played a number of original songs from their three recording projects, new original songs and a few cover tunes familiar to the audience, who enjoyed a free evening of music on the depot square lawn.

According to Urban Renewal Coordinator Jane Law, the organization has sponsored concerts for about five years.

A couple of years in, Urban Renewal approached Rocky Mountain Power, who, for the past few years, has donated funds to the concert series.

Utilizing the Rocky Mountain grant money, Urban Renewal funds and monies raised at the annual Brewfest event, they have been able to expand the series from three to eight weeks of great music.

“When we started sponsoring concerts, we did about three and had them on Friday nights,” said Law. “We found that people weren’t attending Friday night concerts, so we moved it to Thursday nights, after the farmers market.”

Law said the two events complement each other.

She said they try to book local and area artists, residing in Wyoming and neighboring Utah, but this year’s series will highlight performers from across the United States.

Law understands it may take a few years for the concert series to catch on with the community and really grow, but she wants to educate the public on the various offerings to the community.

“We never miss a concert,” said Evanston residents Katie and Tim Beppler.

Law highlighted the Brewfest fundraiser, set for July 22, saying it helps fund many things including the concert series.

“With Brewfest money, we’re able to sponsor street banners, the farmer’s market, the concert series and many other things,” said Law.

Law encourages community members to come out for the free Thursday night concerts.

“It’s a great place to come and enjoy the weather and some great music,” she said. “We believe it is a good way to give back to the community.”

The following is the remaining summer concert lineup:

• July 13 – Kevin Robinson (folk/folk rock)

• July 20 – John Bonnet (California folk)

• July 27 – The Red Jumpers (bluegrass)

• August 5 – The David Gerald Band (blues)

• August 10 – Amy Obenski (folk/folk rock)

• August 17 – Wippoorwill (Wyoming folk)

• August 24 – Sneaky Pete & The Secret Weapons (mountain funk)

Those interested in learning more about the Will Baxter Band can visit their web page at: http://willbaxtermusic.wixsite.com/willbaxtermusic.

Community members interested in learning more about the concert series, farmer’s market or other events sponsored by the Urban Renewal Agency can contact Jane Law at: (307) 783-6320 or via Email at: jlaw@evanstonwy.org.