Tuscaloosa’s music scene is getting the chance to spread its influence with the first-ever Sounds of Tuscaloosa concert series. The event will take place on The Green at Midtown Village, located between Panera Bread and Barnes & Noble, on June 11 and 25 starting at 7 p.m. In the event of rain, both concerts will be hosted on the Saturday following each scheduled date.

“We wanted to do an evening event because it’s hotter in the summer,” event manager Carol Woodruff said. “Tuscaloosa has so much local talent, and we wanted to showcase that.”

There will be two acts in each concert. Friday night’s opening act, the duo Slow Motion Walter, will add a fiddle to the band. They will be followed by another duo, Tuscaloosa favorite Sparrow & the Ghost.

Stuart Bond and Rachael Roberts, who make up Sparrow & the Ghost, focus on the idea of freedom and bringing the world together through the joy of music. Their style mixes folk, blues and country, all with their own unique spin.

June 25 will feature Debbie Bond, who is a member of the Alabama Blues Project, followed by singer-guitarist Ethan Gardiner.

“It’s just a come-and-go type of event,” Woodruff said, “a time to relax after a busy week and listen to some great music.”

Adam Morrow, a University of Alabama senior in the New College program, said he is impressed that Midtown Village is putting on this concert series.

“I’m good friends with Sparrow & the Ghost and have heard their stuff quite a bit,” Morrow said. “I’m glad that they’ve asked local talent to be on display, specifically talent that isn’t cover bands.”

The event is free and open to the public, so bring your lawn chairs or blankets, peruse the shops and restaurants at Midtown, and enjoy some of Tuscaloosa’s original musicians.

The Village Green will also be hosting a Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market on June 19, beginning at 3 p.m.