MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD: Fusing folk, rock, and funk, John Gilbride & Friends are newcomers to the Summer Nights Series of outdoor concerts at the Princeton Shopping Center. The band performs August 4.

Princeton Public Library has teamed up once again with the Princeton Shopping Center to bring a series of free concerts to the community this summer. Held in the courtyard of the shopping center, the Summer Nights series of concerts will take place on Thursday evenings in July and August, from 6-8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket.

“Thursday nights at the Princeton Shopping Center are going to be filled with the sounds of summer and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Janie Hermann, manager of adult programs at the library. “Audiences will be delighted by the lineup of familiar favorites along with some wonderful new acts to discover. We hope everyone will mark their calendars and come out to gather with their families and neighbors and enjoy the Summer Nights series.”

The series kicks off July 7 when the Grace Little Band, an area favorite, presents classic hits. Rock ‘n’ roll cover band Kindred Spirit will appear on July 14. July 21 features the American blues duo essie + nap, and the horn-based Diablo Sandwich Band performs familiar dance and party songs on July 28.

John Gilbride & Friends perform a fusion of folk, rock, and funk on August 4, and Green Knuckle Material present a genre-bending melding of pop, rock, soul, and more on August 18.

On August 11, the library’s Summer Reading Wrap-up Party will take place at the shopping center from 6-7:30 p.m. This annual event is a celebration for readers of all ages, and features music by Lolly Hopwood and her band as well as a variety of activities, including giveaways and crafts.

Additional information about Summer Nights Series performers can be found in the events calendars at princetonlibrary.org and princetonshoppingcenter.com. In the event of rain, the concerts will be rescheduled.