The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation sponsored free outdoor concert series named Covered Bridge Jams is starting its 4th annual live playlist this Saturday with local celebs Downtown Country starting the first set this year.

Downtown Country is a favorite local band and can be seen performing at area eateries and venues, such as Jiggy Ray’s. Fans of their music say they perform a wide variety of music, but mainly country, and occasionally take requests from their audience. After they play for Elizabethton, the group is slated to also play at Southeast Autorama in Erwin on June 8 at 10:30 p.m.

Covered Bridge Jams will feature a different musical performer or group each Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from June through September 21. Many of the musicians have played the event for some years. The event will take a short pause for Covered Bridge Days, but will pick back up June 22.

There is usually a turnout of around 200 persons at each event. “But there will be more during well known bands, such as Carson Peters,” said Derrick Vines, a parks and rec official.

After Downtown Country Jams the bridge this Saturday, Stem Winder is set to take the stage on June 8; Shooter Band on June 22; Sacred Harmony on June 29; Victor Lawson n Boogie Chillen w/Catfish Frye on July 7; Hollow Ground on July 13; Bullseye Band on July 20; Hunter First Baptist Praise Band on July 27; Carson Peters with Iron Mountain on August 3; Lauren Cole Band on August 10; First Baptist Church on August 17; Tennessee Champagne on August 24, and Sacred Journey will close the event out on September 21.      

Vines said that this year’s event would feature a new special called Show on the Doe, where a movie will be played after the concert is over. Saturday’s movie will be E.T. in collaboration with the public library’s summer reading program that is currently focusing on space exploration.

The other movies and dates are Toy Story 3 on June 22; the Lion King on August 3; and for the August 10 movie, there will be a special poll at the Park and Rec’s Facebook page where participants can vote on The Lego Movie or The Secret Life of Animals.