It was like down home in downtown. Crowds gathered around courthouse square in downtown Newnan Nov. 8 to hear local artists strum and sing at a free event: Pickin’ on the Square. And from the looks on their faces, no one was disappointed.

The informal event, organized by Art Arace and Wayne Walker, required no registration and no fee, only the desire to play for a crowd.

“Wayne and I are excited about the opportunity to gather on the square for an afternoon of music. We want people to come to play or come to listen,” Arace said before the event. ”Everyone is welcome from beginners to advanced pickers. This is good family fun, exactly what downtown Newnan is all about!”

Newnan Main Street Director Linda Kee agreed. She said for several years the organization had been exploring the idea of providing a venue for street performers. The idea apparently paid off, with many of the people downtown over the weekend stopping to take in the sights and sounds.

“We have such a wealth of local talent in our community that I was tickled when Art approached us with the idea,” Kee said last week. “Art and his wife Merry have been faithful supporters of our program for years. The addition of Musicology, a local music teaching studio located in downtown Newnan, and both the Alamo and Espresso Lane that specialize in showcasing local talent, have given us the base to provide wonderful family entertainment in downtown Newnan.”

“The event is the idea of local bluegrass enthusiasts, Art Arace and Wayne Walker,” Kee continued. “This event will give both professionals and amateurs the chance to meet new friends and even form new music partnerships thereby promoting more arts in the city of Newnan. Most importantly, it is free family fun that is close to home with great shops and restaurants.”

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