HUNTINGTON — Huntington’s summer concert series officially kicks off next Tuesday with Celebrate Huntington in front of the Keith Albee Theater. 93.7 The Dawg welcomes The Original Drifters in concert in under the Keith's marquee for two free shows.

Kindred Communications' promotion director, Angie Fletcher said, "We're actively involved with Huntington's music scene. We see the Keith Albee as the corner-stone of the community. It's the perfect place for a street party."

The Dawg 93.7-FM is stepping up with the city of Huntington, Marshall University, The Herald-Dispatch, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Miller Lite and others to put on the free Celebrate Huntington Concert Series.

Fourth Avenue will be closed from 9th to 10th Streets from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for each show. The monthly street party will start at 5 p.m.

There will be food and beverage vendors as well as cruise-ins that will be a part of the events with all proceeds for the concerts (after paying the bands) will go toward the non-profit organization in charge of maintaining and preserving the historic, Keith-Albee that was opened in 1928.

Admission will be free. Money raised will come from street vending.

The Keith will be open during the performances, and shows will be moved inside in case of rain, said Mike Kirtner, president of Kindred Communications, the group organizing the series. Fourth Avenue will be closed on Tuesday beginning at 5 p.m. Those attending the concert are invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music as the streets of Huntington are turned into a board walk. Fletcher added that additional concerts will be announced in the next few days.

The Drifters are known for a jukebox full of sing-a-long R&B hits such as “Under the Boardwalk,” “This Magic Moment,” “Save The Last Dance for Me” and “Up on the Roof.”

Kirtner, who owns The Dawg, said with the recent re-investment in Fourth Avenue because of the on-going Old Main Corridor streetscape project, they wanted to bring the music over a block and celebrate the beauty of downtown.
Part of that project, being spearheaded by Byron Clercx, chairman of Marshall University’s Department of Art and Design, highlights 50 glass medallions provided by Blenko Glass that will be imbedded into the sidewalk between 8th and 10th streets.

“There’s something about the street being closed off that creates a festival atmosphere,” Fletcher said.

“And this truly is Marshall and Huntington coming together along the Old Main Corridor, which is the purpose of the project,” Kirtner added. “It’s truly a celebration of Huntington.”

National Video