ABOVE, TOP LEFT: B.J. Banks & Friends performed as the lead act at Music by the Lake on May 5, the first in a series of free community concerts this summer. From left are Paul Crum on bass guitar, Banks on acoustic guitar, Allen Rankin on drums and Tim Alexander on banjo. Banks said the group played a set of about 40 minutes, and he praised the work of the new director of the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center. “Michael Bollinger was very gracious to have us on this program, and the performing arts center is really trying to reach out to the community. They’ve very supportive of the Bartlett Songwriters’ Alliance.” Crum and Banks both represented the alliance at the event. Bluegrass band Tennessee Ripple also performed at the concert. ABOVE, TOP RIGHT: Children enjoy playing by Appling Lake during Friday night’s concert while parents and grandparents fill nearby folding chairs. BOTTOM PHOTO: An appreciative crowd brought chairs and coolers and settled in to enjoy the music.
