Circa Blue, of Martinsburg, perform in The Amp at Sam Michaels Park last Thursday night. Courtney Bell

HARPERS FERRY — This past Thursday evening, Jefferson County Parks & Recreation hosted the third concert in its annual summer music series. With live music, food trucks and fun activities, the concert brought together families and friends to enjoy a night full of tranquility and relaxation.

Tommy Van Vliet, one of the Jefferson County Parks & Recreation coordinators said this is the third year of the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction music series at Sam Michaels Park.

“[The Levitt Foundation] provided funding to more than 50 communities across America through the Levitt AMP program, [which] ensures access to the arts and strengthening the social fabric of communities through creative placemaking,” Vliet said.

The Jefferson County Parks & Recreation team had surveys present at their table near the event entrance, asking for attendee suggestions or other feedback.

“We want everyone to share their voices; it isn’t much fun if some people are unhappy with what is presented. We try to be inclusive to everyone!” one employee said.

Dazzle Entertainment owner Brittni Constans takes a break between customers in her booth at the concert last Thursday night. Courtney Bell

One mother commented how wonderful it was to bring her family to this event.

“I love this type of event. It also gets the kids out of the house and has a chance to experience a nice evening with great music!” she said.

The band playing on Thursday night was Circa Blue. They are a contemporary Bluegrass Band based out of Martinsburg. Known for their creative-dynamic arrangements, clean instrumentation and tight vocal harmonies, they perform a mix of original and cover material that bridges musical boundaries.

Along with food trucks and other booths, Brittni Constans had her booth ready for kids to get their game faces on. Dazzle Entertainment was established in 2018, when Constans was approached by her children multiple times for her to paint their faces.

“It started with my kids. Then, word got out around the neighborhood, so I started painting their faces,” Constans said. “Then it grew from there!”

Attendees wait in line at food trucks, during last Thursday night's concert at Sam Michaels Park. Courtney Bell

Constans said she loves doing this for a living, seeing the joy it brings to kids as they beam with excitement and show off their face paint to their parents and friends.

According to Van Vliet, along with the free music series, which is held every Thursday night at 7 p.m. through Aug. 3, Sam Michaels Park will also be hosting free movie nights, beginning tonight with the movie, “Turning Red.” The free movie nights will be held every Friday night through the rest of the summer. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movies beginning at dusk. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheAmpAtSamMichaels/ or https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org/county-government/county-agencies/parks-recreation/parks-facilities/sam-michael-s-park/the-amp-at-sam-michaels-park/levitt-amp-shenandoah-junction/-fsiteid-1.