By Mike Finney

SMYRNA — With each passing year, the Smyrna at Night music event seems to add a couple more notes and get a little bit louder.

That’s why the eighth annual music event on Saturday promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, bringing 18 acts to three different stages.

Presented by the town of Smyrna and the Smyrna Police Department who took over for longtime producer Gable Music Ventures, the festivities will last from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., with music from noon to 9:30.

Staged downtown for almost a decade, Smyrna at Night is usually host to a couple thousand people, several food and community vendors and talented artists.

“The town of Smyrna is extremely excited to host Smyrna at Night for the eighth year in a row,” said Alyssa Carney, executive administrator for the Smyrna Police Department. “It has always been a very popular event, and this year, it is going to be even bigger and better, with three stages and 18 musical performances.

“The location is back downtown to support the local businesses and allow visitors to explore our beautiful little town. We’re looking forward to a wonderful event.”

Topping off the musical acts and playing on the main stage from 6-7:30 will be the ever-popular Mike Hines and The Look, followed by the Scooter Brown Band from 8-9:30.

After four years and three months, two tours overseas with one tour of combat in Iraq as a United States Marine, Scott Brown traded his guns in for guitars and hit the road.

Scooter Brown Band was formed and began playing mainly in and around Houston, Texas. They have toured North America and opened for some of their biggest influences including Charlie Daniels Band, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, Lee Roy Parnell and the Marshall Tucker Band.

Defined as modern southern rock the band released “American Son” in late 2017 and was named Rolling Stone Country Artist to Watch. Spotify supported the title track of the album on playlists including “Country Rocks,” “Southern Rock 101” and “Texas Music Now.”

Mr. Brown was featured as a finalist on USA Network’s “Real Country” in 2018 and was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year at the third annual Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards presented by iHeartRadio.

In this era of rising fuel costs and high grocery prices, one of the perks about Smyrna at Night is that it is free.

“Thanks to our sponsors, we are very proud to be able to make this event free for the community,” Ms. Carney said. “With the price of everything rising, it is more important now than ever that we create opportunities like this for families to come out and enjoy some music and fun without breaking the bank.

“This is a kid-friendly event with activities for all ages. So bring some lawn chairs and come enjoy the shows.”

Other bands in the lineup on the East Stage are First State Symphonic Band (noon-12:45); The Waysiders (1:15-2); PetRock (2:30-3:15); Cecilia Grace (3:45-4:30); Tribute to the Legends (5-5:45); and Nic Snow (6:15-7).

Playing the West Stage will be The Sounds of Charles Lee (12:30-1:15); Bad Alibi (1:45-2:30); The Blues Reincarnation Project (3-3:45); Party Fowl (4:15-5); Brown Sugar (5:30-6:30); and Hott Toddy (7-8).

Taking the Main Stage throughout the day will be Sug Daniels (12:45-1:30); Hollow Pledge (2-2:45); KayBe (3:15-4); and LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous (4:30-5:30) before Mike Hines and The Look and the Scooter Brown Band wrap up the evening.

Ms. Carney said there will be plenty of offerings for all.

“In addition to musical acts, there will be several food and dessert trucks, vendors and local businesses, a beer garden and kids’ zone,” she said. “There is definitely something for everyone at this event.”

Kids activities include make your own bubble wand; sidewalk chalk; “tiny tot” obstacle course; feed the shark game; bookmobile; and an appearance by Spider-Man and a princess.

Parking will be at the Smyrna High and Middle schools on Duck Creek Parkway.

Shuttles will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. back and forth from the venue. No outside coolers or food are permitted.