Steve Wildsmith

Just got off the phone with Jay Campbell, owner of Hanna’s Cafe and Southbound Bar and Grill in Knoxville’s Old City, who just yesterday released a fantastic lineup for a brand spankin’ new, absolutely free concert series!

It kicks off July 2 in Knoxville’s Old City, in what’s known as the Old City Courtyard — the area behind Southbound (located at 106 S. Central St.) and adjacent to Barley’s Taproom (200 E. Jackson Ave.). The series is an all-ages affair being billed as “Old City Live,” and there are some great local and national acts.

All shows take place at 8 p.m., and there’s never a cover. The lineup:

July 2: J.C. and the Dirty Smokers opening for Mic Harrison and The High Score

July 9: Matt Woods’ Plan A opening for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers (VERY COOL! Roger is a former member of The Refreshments)

July 16: Chuck Norris opening for Paul Thorn

July 23: The Grassabillies opening for John Cowan

July 30: Homer Hart opening for The Coalmen

Aug. 6: TBA

Aug. 13: Brendon James Wright opening for Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

Aug. 20: Kata and the Blaze opening for Cody McCarver

Aug. 27: The Dixie Highway Band opening for Blueground Undergrass

Sept. 3: An Evening with The Coveralls: A three-hour show!

Sept. 10: The Dirty Guv’nahs with TBA

Sept. 17: TBA

Sept. 24: Honky Tonks Anonymous opening for Cutthroat Shamrock