How to go
What: After-Hours on The Square @ Union Centre
Where: The Square @ Union Centre, 9285 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays. The concert series runs each week, from May 22-Aug. 28.
Cost: Free
More info: www.WestChesterOH.org, also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Rain cancels the event. Outside alcohol is not allowed.
Locals can start the holiday weekend early, or unwind after work with After-Hours on The Square @ Union Centre. On Thursday, May 22, local favorite DV8 will get the party started with the returning weekly concert series.
“First Financial Bank After-Hours on The Square has become this really cool kind of hangout place, or event, for folks in the township. It’s very laid back, and it’s an opportunity to gather with people you work with, or your neighbors, to enjoy the outdoors, the weather and some great, free music,” said Barb Wilson, spokeswoman for West Chester Twp.
Supported by First Financial Bank and the Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association — with all concerts being held on Thursday nights — the event will bring the community together each week for an upbeat evening of music, food and beverages. This year’s headlining talent also includes acts Lt. Dan’s New Legs, Naked Karate Girls, SWAGG, Stays in Vegas, Color Blind and Fast Forward Band, to name a few. The event is free and open to the public.
With a mix of the area’s most popular bands and a handful of newer artists, the township looks for bands that have demonstrated themselves to be great party bands, organizers said.
“We love West Chester,” said Chuck Reed, bassist of DV8. “It’s great to play here. There’s a tremendous group of people that attend the concerts every year, and they really show their support for us and the community.”
Cincinnati-based DV8 has opened for a number of national acts, including Styx, The Gin Blossoms, Eddie Money, Little River Band, Loverboy and Starship, among others. The band will also perform at the Taste of Cincinnati this weekend, on Sunday on the Fountain Square stage.
Wilson said, “ It’s a great family-friendly event. We call it the 8 to 80 environment, there is something for everybody.”
With a broad audience, from families with young children to young professionals that work in West Chester, the event draws an average of 500 to 800 attendees, each week.
“It’s very fun and casual. There’s a lot of natural seating, like benches and fountains,” Wilson said.
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