'American Idol' winner Kris Allen kicks off Max & Emily's Summer Concert Series
The summer festivities finally kicked into gear in downtown Mount Pleasant with the start of the Max & Emily's Summer Concert Series.
"American Idol" season eight winner Kris Allen kicked off this year's series last Thursday by performing an acoustic set of his own songs and covers in front of a crowd of roughly 700 people on a crowded Broadway Street.
“We have great community support here in Mount Pleasant, and, in return, we are all about giving back,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller, who worked with the city and Max & Emily’s, 125 E. Broadway St., to make the event happen. “We wanted to make a family friendly, stress-free event that everyone could enjoy.”
Allen ran through a nearly 2-hour set list that included hits of his own, including "Live Like We're Dying" and "The Vision of Love," in addition to covers of "Faith" by George Michael and "We Are Young" and "Some Nights" by the band Fun along with other covers.
Many of those in attendance, including students, gathered toward the front of the stage to dance to Allen's music throughout his set.
“It brings all of us students together,” said Allen Park senior Tessa Mac, who came to the concert with a group of friends. “It’s so great to see so many people I know downtown during the summer."
Despite such a large turnout, Mount Pleasant Police Public Information Officer Jeff Thompson said the police department ran into very few problems during the day.
“Events like these are great, because they are so low-stress for us that we can actually enjoy ourselves with the members of the community that mean so much to us,” said Mount Pleasant Police Officer Jeff Thompson. “I love to see events like this bringing such a positive energy to our community and to be able to be a part of one like Mount Pleasant.”
After the show, Max & Emily’s owner Tim Brockman was pleased with the way the night turned out.
“We are so happy to do this every year,” he said. “We had a great crowd with a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm. A night like this every now and then, simply put, makes our town a more interesting place to live.”
