Sounds on the Square returns to Havre

After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sounds on the Square started up again this week with Hogeland-Turner-Harlem area band Shovels and Shotguns blasting out some rock and blues Wednesday in Havre's Town Square.

Joe Ross of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, said it felt good to bring back the event and provide live music for Havre, and that it is good for the bands, too. Many have not able to perform live in the past year, he said.

"We have a great lineup this year," Ross added.

The band echoed Ross' comment between its first and second songs.

"It's good to be out here gigging again," one band member said.

The concert series continues to feature area bands and musicians throughout the summer, a release from the Chamber said.

"Pack up that picnic basket and make your plans now to relax with friends, neighbors and family each Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Sounds on the Square starting June 16 and continuing through Aug. 18," the release said, adding that shows will be performed each week if the weather cooperates.

The lineup for the rest of the year is:

June 23 - BJ Geetarokie, instrumental guitar

June 30 - ROC Band, country

July 7 - Mario Miner Jr., Americana/folk

July 14 - Gene Allen & Friends, popular folk

July 21 - Big Sky Drive, wide variety of music and sing-along favorites, plus originals

July 28 - Plowed Under, country

August 4 - Derek Hann, Americana/folk

August 11 - T.J. Overcast, country

August 18 - Blind Luck, classic rock

The release said people can check the Chamber Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HavreAreaChamberof

Commerce and https://www.havreareaevents.com for band updates.