As August nears an end, you may begin to feel you’re wasting your warm summer nights searching for something to switch up your dull, repetitive routine. Summer of the Arts will attempt to provide a solution with its free Friday Night Concert Series. The series runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Weatherdance Fountain stage on the Pedestrian Mall every Friday through Sept. 18.

Featuring bands and artists such as Local on the 8’s, Winterland, and the Fez, the Friday Night Concert Series reels in a wide variety of music and culture. The event attracts an audience of anywhere from hundreds to thousands of people of all ages. From jazz and hip-hop to Steely Dan tributes, there is entertainment for anyone.

Last weekend the Steely Dan tribute band the Fez performed. The 15-person group grew up loving Steely Dan, co-leader Saul Lubaroff said, and noted there had never been an official tribute band dedicated to Steely Dan.

“I think if you’ve never seen the Fez, you will have a great time,” Lubaroff said. “It’s a lot of danceable music.”

The band performed Aug. 21 for a large crowd and garnered great reviews.

Check next week’s 80 Hours for more information on Candymakers, a young funk, soul, and R&B band that will take the stage Sept. 4.

Fire Sale will close out the regular concert series on Sept. 11 with a variety of music ranging from traditional reggae to rock.Sept. 18 will end the series with a special block party; the show will go on, rain or shine, so bring yourself and a lawn chair.

— by Dominique Coleman