HIGH POINT, N.C. -- A summer concert series launches in High Point as part of an effort to bring more people downtown.
Non profit organization, The City Project, is hosting the free “ Ignite High Point Whistle Point Concert Series” that takes place on Fridays at the historic train depot which is the current Amtrak station. Kicking it off the first night was “The Empire Strikes Brass” band.
"So we're trying to bring people who live in north High Point and south High Point and shop in other places that don't have a reason to come downtown to come and see what's going on,” said board chair of The City Project, Richard Wood. "We hope to create an atmosphere that makes it conducive for people to want to open businesses here. Right behind us are four empty shops that could be great locations for retail if there was foot traffic."
The Furniture Capital of the World is known for its showrooms. Most are open only twice a year during market which brings thousands of people to the city. However, Wood wants to change people's perception about downtown.
"Young people want to live in town, they want to bicycle more, walk more, drive less and that's what we're trying to create here," he said.
The series will continue every Friday until June 19 at the train depot. Music will vary each week from Americana, Brazilian, rock and soul. Next week's band is The Black Lillies.