Music to the ears in Lynn

LYNN – Get ready for some live music in downtown Lynn.New Music in the Square will bring melodies to Central Square this summer every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets, or stand to hear the performers play.Each week will feature a new act, and some may appear for multiple sets, according to event organizer Seth Albaum.The event seeks to bring a more positive image to the city.Pat Nelson, who plays guitar and sings in the bluegrass/folk/rock Strakus and Nelson Music, one of the acts, said the group wants to bring art to downtown.?This is good, because, unfortunately, some people have a negative image of our city,” Nelson said. “It bring positive energy to the downtown area. It shows people we aren?t scary and makes it more desirable.”Michael Strakus, who sings backup vocals and plays banjo and guitar, called the event the “artistic renaissance of Lynn.”?It?s outside food for the soul,” Strakus said. “No one expects to hear live music downtown. It spreads positive cheer and vibes.”Strakus said he and his group were put on this planet to share music and that he?s glad to do his part.The group says its original music is like a journal – a collection of personal stories, such as breakups, observations in society, anxiety, work and frustrations. It will play Wednesday, followed by Wreck Shop Movement, a hip-hop group.Albaum said all he asks for is family-friendly music as far as content goes, and for performers to play mostly original tunes. Each Wednesday allows for two 45-minute sets from two separate acts.?For musicians who want to enter, send me a YouTube link to [email protected],” Albaum said. “We?re more than half-booked, so it could get competitive.”Albaum said the event is a long time coming, and he wanted to thank the city, Department of Public Works, Lynn Police Department, Ward 5 Councilor Dianna Chakoutis, Lynn Auditorium and everyone else involved in granting permission to put it together.Sponsors include Columbia Insurance, the Downtown Lynn Cultural District, the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lazy Dog.Nick Zaino, an Americana singer scheduled to perform July 22, said New Music in the Square makes downtown more appealing.?There?s a lot of foot traffic here,” Zaino said, pointing to the square, “The more music you have downtown, the more art you have. Businesses seem to be popping up, and more people are enjoying downtown Lynn.”