'Fridays at 3rd' heats up

Cool weather put a chill on the early concerts for Fridays at 3rd, the concert series and block party held near the corner of Carson and 3rd streets. But as summer hits its stride, organizers remain optimistic.

"Last year, I'd say we were seeing 400 people a night," said Doug Cramer of Mom & Pop's Diner. "This year, it's been maybe half that. But it was excellent during Taste of Downtown (June 20), and starting on the Fourth of July, the bands are just going to be rock and roll, rock and roll, rock and roll for the rest of the month. So I think that will be really good."

Unseasonable weather has been largely responsible for the drop in attendance, Tammy Westergard, manager of the Carson City Office of Business Development, said.

"I think Mother Nature's sort of forcing us to ease into (summer) this year, but we're very optimistic," said Westergard, who estimated attendance at the June concerts was around 75 percent of last year's.

The Curry Street corridor that borders the Fridays at 3rd site has been a showcase for downtown revitalization projects over the past year.

The Fridays at 3rd parties are co-sponsored by Mom & Pop's, the Firkin & Fox, Bella Fiore Wines and the Office of Business Development.

New this year, Brewery Arts Center Director John Procaccini has been hired as producer and booking agent, resulting in a more diverse line-up of bands.

"John's been a promoter and producer for 40 years," Westergard said. "I think that's evidenced by the kinds of acts that have been at the BAC and at (Fridays at 3rd)."