Monique Berry performs downtown Mount Pleasant for Max and Emily’s concert series finale

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Max and Emily’s second annual concert series ends at 7 p.m. today at 125 E. Broadway St. with a local singer and songwriter.

Monique Berry, classified as nouveaux soul, is performing at the free concert. Tim Brockman, owner of Max and Emily’s Cafe, said the series lacked the attendance of college students.

“A lot of people come from big cities and people aren’t used to going downtown, they are more used to Mission Street. One thing we want to do is get the communication out to students so they know there’s a downtown,” he said.

Monique Berry’s performance last year attracted nearly 500 people, and Brockman said he expects more this year.

“It’s the most personal gig for me to play here, I grew up in Mount Pleasant, so for me it’s a treat to go home because I don’t go home often,” Berry said.

The city will block off Broadway Street between Main and University streets. Several shops will remain open through the evening.

Helen Chase, owner of Trillium Fine Clothing for Woman, said downtown is very pleased to have the concert.

“We normally close at 6 p.m., and I would think there would be increased traffic between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., so we wanted to stay open,” she said.

The concert series is alcohol-free and people should bring their own chairs to the event. Max and Emily’s will sell ice cream sandwiches, brats, fajitas and burgers during the concert and the patio will be open on a first-come, first-serve basis.