'Smooth' sounds & school supplies

Summer weather couldn't cool off attendance figures at Friday's Main Street Live concert.

Despite temperatures and humidity numbers both in the 80s, a crowd reaching roughly 700 fans were snapping, swaying and singing along through the steamy sunset and beyond to the Latin rock rhythms of Soul Sacrifice, as the paid tribute to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Santana.

From the opening percussion riff of 1970's "Oye Como Va," to crowd participation highlighting the 1999 comeback No. 1 single "Smooth" to an encore featuring the 1981 hit "Winning," the Nashville-based group's percussion- and guitar-driven set spanned Santana's seven decades of hits, featuring the legendary group's jazz-rock-Latin fused sound and keeping people in the groove with lengthy instrumental breaks that have kept the hall-of-famers relevant since the late '60s.

"The band brought high energy and amazing talent, and we had a fantastic turnout," Main Street Live Executive Director Jennifer Flatt Meredith said. "It was a night to remember!”

The night served a dual purpose, as it also featured school supply giveaways as part of Main Street McMinnville's "Back to School Bash." Employees from Security Federal, First National and Citizens Tri-County Banks acquired various supplies to give away to local students preparing for the school year, with CTCB earning bragging rights by bringing in the most supplies among the three in this year's "Battle of the Banks."

“What an incredible night at Main Street Live," MSM Executive Director Jennifer Flatt Meredith said. "We were so blessed by Citizens Tri-County Bank, Security Federal Savings Bank, and First National Bank of Middle Tennessee for their generous donations to our Back to School Bash. Thanks to them, we were able to give away backpacks, underwear, socks, water bottles, lunchboxes, and school supplies to kids in our community."

Shane Brock of CTCB was excited to claim top honors in the "Battle of the Banks," and expressed his gratitude to Main Street McMinnville for organizing the supply drive each year.

"We appreciate all that Main Street McMinnville does," Brock said when informed of his group's win. "Thank you, you all, for putting that together for such a great thing."

While Friday's show was originally the final night on the Main Street Live schedule, the series will live on for one more week. Local favorites the TC Bryant Band, who were scheduled to open the season in June before being canceled by weather, will take the stage for the 2025 finale next Friday. If rain threatens next Friday's show, the Park Theater will be available to use as an alternate venue.