Music will be heard tonight in the northern half of Central Michigan University’s campus.

Sponsored by University Events and 104.3 WCZY, “Music in the Mall” is a free, four-concert music series that begins at 7 p.m. today at Warriner Mall.

“This is one way of us giving back to the community,” said Keith Voeks, assistant director of University Events. “People will bring their picnic basket with wine and cheese. It’s a large enough area where people can dance and move freely.”

Tonight’s concert features the Michigan quartet, “Claudia Schmidt Funket.” Schmidt, who has performed at “Music in the Mall” in the past, plays a mix of jazz, blues and traditional music.

The remaining concerts are July 15, July 22, and July 29 and are all at 7 p.m. The performances will be given by “Harbor Lights,” a 1950s doo-wop style group, “Madcat and Kane and Maxwell Street,” a mix of blues and folk music and the “Alma Percussion Ensemble” from Alma College. All bands except “Harbor Lights” have performed in past for “Music on the Mall.”

Voeks said that the stage had to be enlarged to fit the 20-member “Alma Percussion Ensemble,” which is the most popular performance and has always hosted at least 200 attendees.

“We see locals that range from people with families and kids to grandparents, all we ask is people please (pick) up after themselves,” Voeks said.

Voeks said that because of summer they don’t see many student attendees but they are more then welcome to come.

“I am taking classes this summer and in this city it’s not easy to find free entertainment, so “Music on the Mall” is a good form of entertainment that doesn’t cost a thing,” said Mount Pleasant senior Bethany Conway.

The concerts run approximately one hour and 45 minutes and attendees should bring their own blankets and chairs.

The music will be broadcast live on 104.3 WCZY and the performances will move to Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium in the event of rain.

studentlife@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Frank Cerra