BY Charles Sanchez | September 16, 2021

Live After Five Returns October 1

The Downtown Business Association will launch the Live After Five concert series on October 1. The season that was scheduled to begin August 20 was postponed because of the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the Baton Rouge area, but the association has received support from the city-parish administration to revive the long-awaited free community event.

“We are excited to announce that Live After Five is finally back!” Gordy Rush, the association’s board president, stated.

The Downtown Business Association has produced the popular Live After Five free concert series for over 20 years with the support of the City of Baton Rouge and private sponsors and donors.

“We’re ready to bring back live music and community events, but we must do so safely,” Lauren Lambert-Tompkins, the association’s managing director, said. “We’re asking our attendees to practice personal responsibility. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are symptomatic, please do not come to Live After Five.”

In early 2021, the Downtown Business Association launched a social media campaign to “Socialize Responsibly,” encouraging Baton Rouge residents to get vaccinated and take appropriate COVID-19 safety precautions so that businesses would see a boost in the local economy after a drought of activity. 

The event organizers are encouraging physical distancing during the concert, wearing masks when standing in vendor lines, and utilizing the hand sanitation centers that will be provided throughout the event footprint.

“This is a spacious outdoor concert,” said Lambert-Tompkins. “We’re confident that we can provide a safe and fun event that will support our local businesses and performers. So put on your dancing shoes, and we’ll see ya downtown!”

The concerts will be held at the Crest Stage in Rhorer Plaza, the city green space between Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and the River Center Branch Library, from 5:00-8:00 pm each evening with the following lineup:

October 1: Curley Taylor + Erica Falls
presented by Live After Five and the BR Blues Fest

October 8: Shaun Ward Xperience

October 15: After 8

October 22: Phat Hat

October 29: Werewolf
Halloween Costume Party!

November 5: The Mixed Nuts

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