Spring has sprung in Greenville. The azaleas are blooming, the breezes are blissful and the grass is greener on every side.

That means it’s also time to gear up for Greenville Main Street’s Annual &uot;Thursday Concerts in the Park&uot; series, an opportunity to enjoy some great vocalists and musicians each Thursday night in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The concert series kicks off tomorrow, April 21 at 6 p.m. in Confederate Park in the heart of historic downtown Greenville.

&uot;Everybody, get those blankets, quilts and lawn chairs ready. We have some great concerts lined up, with most featuring our own homegrown talent,&uot; said Nancy Idland, executive director for the Main Street organization.

Gospel performer Robert Williamson is slated to kick off the concert series on Thursday.

According to Idland, Williamson, owner of WGYV Radio in Greenville, travels extensively to share his vocal talents. &uot;Many people will have their first opportunity to hear Robert here locally and I know it will be a treat,&uot; she added. Main Street plans to offer refreshments that night.

Miss Greater Greenville 2005, Christen Clarke, will perform on April 28. Attendees at the arts council gala got to enjoy Christen’s vocal talents last Saturday night at the White Oak Clubhouse.

The Main Street director says members of the Miss Greater Greenville Scholarship Board will also be on hand on the 28th selling grilled burgers with the trimmings, chips, a drink and a brownie for just $5.

&uot;The proceeds from the refreshments will go toward scholarship monies for the Miss Greater Greenville Scholarship Program. We are hoping other folks will turn out and provide refreshments for other concerts to raise funds for their worthy causes,&uot; added Idland.

&uot;We really appreciate the community’s support and hope they will turn out to hear Christen and enjoy our good burgers next Thursday,&uot; said Miss GG Director Sue Arnold.

On May 5, the Greenville High School Concert Band will perform in the park, while local musicians Steve Norman and Rock Killough will be &uot;pickin’ and grinnin’&uot; together on May 12. The rock band &uot;The Good Stuff&uot;, led by local talent Clint Philpot, is currently slated to close out the concert series with a performance on May 19.

After playing such events in larger cities like Atlanta and Birmingham, Killough said it will be a real pleasure to play at a concert in the park in his own hometown.

&uot;I think it’s a great idea – an opportunity to turn out, enjoy the nice spring evenings, let the kids romp around a little while you visit with your friends and neighbors and enjoy some good music. It’s a chance for the community to draw together a little bit more – and that’s a good thing,&uot; said the songwriter-musician.

Idland hopes plenty of local folks will take advantage of the free outdoor entertainment this spring.

&uot;These concerts are fun, they’re free, and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of our town and experience some wonderful musical talent, too,&uot; said Idland.

For more information on Greenville Main Street’s Annual Concert in the Park series, contact Nancy Idland at 382-3041.