Music on Third Street has been exposing local and regional artists to local audiences under a busking format for the past several years.

This year, because of the sheer number of people who attend, the hours have been expanded from 6-8 p.m. to 6-9 p.m., said Tara Laase-McKinney, DDA executive director.

“We’ve seen growth year after year,” Laase-McKinney said. “There is a high influx of people. A very wide variety of musical genres are represented.”

Thursday is the first of three Music on Third Street events planned. The second is Aug. 21 and the final one is Sept. 18. Put another way, it’s the third Thursday of each month.

Sixteen artists and musical groups are scheduled to perform this Thursday. (Journal file photo)

Laase-McKinney said 16 artists and/or groups are scheduled to perform Thursday.

“People can come and listen to some music, maybe grab some dinner,” she said. “A lot of the businesses are staying open late.”

North Third Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between Arch Street and Kaye Avenue from 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Third Street and Hewitt Avenue intersection will remain open to east-west traffic. Signed detour routes will be provided around the closure.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.