The Northwest Neighborhood Alliance is set to bring the rhythm back downtown as the 4th annual Groovin’ on the Green returns September 20 on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center.
The free community concert runs from 5-10 p.m. and will feature a high-energy lineup including R&B vocalist Gary “Lil G” Jenkins of Silk, Billboard-charting jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree, and Louisville’s Sheryl Rouse Band. The evening will be hosted by Nashville line dance leader Patrick Morgan of the Startin’ 5ive Entertainment Group.
Presented by the Northwest Alliance, the event also features food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts, and preventive health booths, provided in partnership with Owensboro Health.
David Curry, a board member with the Alliance, said the event continues to grow in scope and significance each year.
“This is something the community really looks forward to. People start asking about it months in advance,” Curry said. “We’ve even had bands reaching out to us now, which shows how far we’ve come.”
Curry said the idea for Groovin’ on the Green was born out of a desire to fill a gap in local music programming, offering genres not always represented in Owensboro’s event calendar.
“We’re known for bluegrass and country, but there was a need for rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul,” he said. “It was important to offer something that reflects more of our community.”
The inaugural event was held at Moneta Sleet Jr. Park in the heart of Owensboro’s west side. Curry, who lives nearby, said it was a meaningful launch site as the city revitalized the space. However, as attendance increased, organizers relocated the event downtown, where it now attracts guests from across the region.
“We’ve blocked off hotel rooms this year for out-of-town visitors, and we’re already thinking about how to expand it into a full weekend in the future,” Curry said.
Those plans include adding educational components, a health fair, and more partnerships with regional initiatives. Owensboro Health already provides preventative screenings and health education at the event, covering everything from blood pressure and diabetes to nicotine cessation.
“The health booths are a really important piece,” Curry said. “We use giveaways to help drive traffic to them, and it’s a great way to reach folks who may not otherwise be getting screened.”
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. In the event of inclement weather, organizers will move the event inside the Owensboro Convention Center.
Curry said none of it would be possible without the help of sponsors and support from the City of Owensboro.
“As the event grows, so do the expenses, and our sponsors have really helped us keep this going,” he said. “The City has been a fantastic partner as well.”
For more information, call 270-695-7309.
