Large crowd turns out for 1st event

Hundreds turned out for the first-ever July Jamz concert Thursday night at Springdale.

The event, which was sponsored by the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce, featured a kid-favorite foam cannon, local band Issues, kona ice and a fun, family-oriented environment.

Andalusia resident Jesse Roberts said he’s used to seeing these functions every weekend when he lived in New Mexico.

“Oh yeah,” Roberts said when asked if he was having a good time. “I’ll definitely come back next week.”

Issues played classic songs such as Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville,” Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and others.

Andalusia resident Frank Shaffer said the event provides the perfect venue for people of all walks of life to come together.

“I love to see how the community does come together,” Shaffer said.

Sitting with her friends near the action was Dorothy Rawls of Andalusia.

Rawls said the event is wonderful.

“I’ll come next week,” she said.

For Andalusia residents Trinity Riley and Julie Riley, being at the event was a lot of fun.

“We are enjoying it,” Trinity said.

“We need more things like this,” Julie said.

Both said they’re going to come back next week for the show.

Some time after Issues — which features Scott Rogers on guitar, Phillip McClung on vocals, Zane Johnson on bass and Jim Ed Brown on the drums — got going, the foam cannon was turned on and kids dived in without hesitation.

The July Jamz event will be held each Thursday throughout July.

Cat Dean and 10-6 Upstairs will perform. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free.