ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Summer Concert Series is back, with live music at the amphitheater from 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday and crowds coming from near and far to listen.

This past Tuesday, Sean Hanley, director of the recreation department, said attendance was impressive despite the potential for thunderstorms.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout this evening, with the way the weather was today,” he said. “It was really nice to see about 140, maybe 150 people out for tonight’s. Last Tuesday with Hoard and Jones by the time everything was said and done we had I think 160 to 170 people out here. It’s really good to get them out and about and see them enjoying the things we’re offering in the community here.”

The band Easy Street was performing Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic cut short last year’s events.

“We had the last four shows last year,” he said. “But even as compared to previous years, I still think it’s really good to see this many people out and about.”

Hanley also said there has been positive feedback.

“Everybody has nothing but compliments. I haven’t heard anything negative at all yet,” he said. “We are very happy to be able to offer something like this this year, especially since last year everybody was basically stuck in the house all year.”

The Vince Villinova Band will perform this week, followed by Vinyl Soul June 22, then the upcoming Community Day will be held June 26 with the city partnering with Unified Bank and Reisbeck’s.

“That’ll be our fireworks night. The band that night will be the Mojo Kings. They’ll play a three-hour show instead of the normal two-hour show,” Hanley said.

Activities that day will start at 4 p.m. with the national anthem. There will be events for children and adults alike, including inflatable rides and numerous vendors.

M80s will play ’80s hits June 29; The Muddle will perform July 6; Pocket Change on July 13; The Copper Creek Band on July 20; Mean Mr. Mustard on July 27; and Gypsy Cowboys Aug. 3

“We’re just here as a family enjoying tonight, that we can actually be out and enjoying some of this socialization,” Keturah Toplovich of St. Clairsville said.

“It’s nice to be out amongst people,” Linda Bragg of St. Clairsville said.

“I love it. I’ll be here every Tuesday. I just moved her from Louisiana so I love this,” Gail Thibodeaux said. She moved to follow her son — an oil and gas industry employee — and his decision to relocate to St. Clairsville. “The people are kind of sweet.”

Jody White of the Steubenville area is a follower of the band

“It’s good to be outside again. I’m going to be at every one of them,” he said, adding he was enjoying the stopover in Belmont County’s seat. “I like St. Clairsville. St. Clairsville’s got a lot going for it. They’re the best place to come in the valley other than Wheeling.”

John S. Marshall of St. Clairsville attends most of the concerts and will often come with friends from Wheeling.

“We see folks we only see at these events,” he said. “All the concerts around the valley are good.”

“I think it’s one of the best programs the town can have. Every area is just outstanding,” Don Parker of St. Clairsville said, adding COVID-19 has taken its toll. “It’s been bad. That’s what makes it extra special to be out here tonight. … We’ve been here every year it’s been out here.”