By SASHA JOHNS / Community Columnist

Columbiana, the charming county seat of Shelby County, is currently making plans to continue to grow its reputation as the place to go for music, arts and entertainment.

A small committee from the larger Columbiana Main Street organization is finalizing plans for this summer’s annual Music on Main Street concert series.

Haven’t heard of Music on Main? Well, you and your family are in for a treat. There will be eight family friendly concerts, including one gospel night, each Friday evening from May 3-June 28, and each one is free.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs out to historic Main Street for weekly evenings of dancing, community building and easy listening from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

“Music on Main brings our community and surrounding communities together,” said Brenda Sands, Main Street director. “It offers genres that appeal to all ages and allows the perfect setting to meet friends, old and new. Our performance location right in the heart of our historic downtown on the South end of Main Street will make you want to come back for more to see and do in Columbiana.”

This program, planned by the Columbiana Main Street organization in conjunction with the city, has been ongoing for several years and has become the heartbeat of the town each summer with each concert leading up to Liberty Day weekend, the biggest event of the summer.

Locals, lake lovers and visitors from nearby towns are welcome to join in the weekly festivities.

Music on Main also gives Columbiana a chance to shine a spotlight on some local merchants on Main Street.

“Music on Main is true small town America,” said Robin Robinson, co-owner of The Farm Company. “We love being a part of it and Columbiana celebrating community.”

Guests are encouraged to visit the beautiful shops up and down the street during the concerts, and support local business each week.

For that reason, the planners respectfully ask that guests do not bring outside food this year and opt to support local restaurants and food vendors and other shops at the event instead.

“I’m really excited about the groups we have booked for this year’s Music on Main,” Music on Main board member Josh Arnold said. “The city and Main Street Columbiana have worked together to bring out the beloved classic groups, great local talent and some fresh acts that will fit right in with the exciting arts and entertainment culture that is taking root in Columbiana.”