By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

HELENA – Despite gray clouds on the horizon, the undeterred community gathered at the Helena Amphitheater on Saturday, April 20 for the kick-off of the Helena Old Town Live concert series, determined to not let bad weather rain on their parade.

Featuring performances from Galactic, Robert Randolph Band and Rollin’n the Hay, Old Town Live invited guests to unfold their plastic chairs and kick back for an evening of live music.

Councilmember Laura Joseph shared that she received positive feedback from the community despite the weather.

“(Old Town Live) was very, very well attended,” Joseph said. “It was a wonderful event that I believe was enjoyed by everyone until the rain sent us home.”

During the concert, patrons could enjoy delectable food from a variety of food trucks including, Gumbo to Geaux, El Tejano Taco Truck, Dixie Dogs and more. While couples chatted over drinks from Oversoul Brewing, kids ran around the grass and played in Buck Creek.

Despite the weather forecast, the residents of Helena showed up in full force. And although some left when the drizzle turned into a downpour, some stayed until the very end, armed with umbrellas and raincoats.

“It was very exciting,” Councilmember Hewy Woodman said. “We’re seeing this event continue to grow. This is the first concert of the year, and we expect the crowds to get even larger. We’ve gotten really positive feedback from the participants, the bands and the businesses.”

Old Town Live is an annual free concert series in Helena that has become one of the biggest events in Helena. The event is organized by the Helena Old Town Board (HOT Board) and is the combined efforts of volunteers and local businesses.

Helena Mayor Brian Puckett thanked the HOT Board for the effort they put in to Old Town Live.

“The HOT Board put on a fantastic event,” Puckett said. “Kudos to all of our departments that assisted with everything, from the public works team, to parks and rec, to the police and fire departments. It truly takes a team to make these events happen. I could not be more proud of all of the teams.”

At the next Old Town Live concert, The Allman Betts Band and Taylor Hunnicutt will perform at the Helena Amphitheater on Saturday, May 18 from 4:30-10 p.m.