Despite occasional lighting and periodic heavy rain, the first edition of Bands on Bordeaux, Chadron’s new summer concert series, got a big “thumbs up” last night.

Chamber of Commerce executive director Collette Fernandez says the rain didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of anyone or send very many of them home.

The weekly Bands on Bordeaux…which gets its name from the event’s location next to the American Legion on the 100 block of Bordeaux Street…is intended to draw people downtown on a summer evening with music, kids games, and vendors – hopefully enticing them to return at other times.

The Chadron City Council turned down the Chamber’s request for startup funds, with several members expressing doubts about how many people would actually show up for the concerts. Fernandez says that if last night is any example, a lot of people will.

Fernandez says the thing that surprised her the most last night was the number of people who stayed even after the band In Aix had to quit an hour early because of the rain.

Bands on Bordeaux returns next Thursday from 6-to-9:00 pm with the band Phat Daddy.