DAPHNE, Ala.—The parking lot at Daphne City Hall usually serves as, well, a parking lot while birds often frequent the lawn, shading themselves under tall trees and drinking from the fountain statue of Daphne.

But this past weekend, the scene looked and sounded much different as almost 1,000 guests attended the two-night “Music Under the Stars” concert series.

Music fans seated in folding chairs brought from home populated the parking lot; many sipped fine wines and dined on take-out from some of Olde Towne’s drinking establishments and eateries.

“I loved being close to the downtown restaurants and shops because it brought a feel of community,” the city’s recreation programs coordinator, Megan Matrone White, said. “Many people had dinner downtown and then stopped by for some great music.

“Others brought picnic dinners and listened to the free concert while their children played across the street in Centennial Park.”

Organizers felt the site lent itself well to events such as “Music” and plan to hold more gatherings on the lawn in the future.

“City Hall is a great venue to offer all sorts of events, including music,” White said. “I am sure the city will continue to find ways to draw people downtown with quality events such as ‘Music Under the Stars.’”

The free concert series, held Saturday and Sunday nights, featured live musical guests such as rock troupe Flite Time and jazz artist Lil Greenwood.

“Oh, Flite Time is so good,” resident Daniel Dawson said. “They’re so underrated. This is my fifth time seeing them and this is the nicest venue yet.”

Guests traveled as far as Biloxi, Miss., to hear the jazz singer’s soulful sounds.

“I know Lil since the (19)80s,” Robert Dozier said, while sipping a Pinot Noir and swaying slowly to the beat. “She’s the best. Her voice is like an angel’s. And the band’s good, too!”

Dozier’s daughter, Alicia, 13, said that Greenwood, along with legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday, inspired her to take up singing.

“My daddy played me her records when I was younger,” Alicia Dozier said. “I just love her. She’s the best.”

But not all of the event’s guests made their way toward the stage. Some of the younger attendees found Centennial Park, located across the street from City Hall, to be a more inviting atmosphere.

“Yeah, my mom’s over there listening,” Jacob Beam, 7, said, while spinning on the merry-go-round. “But I like this thing better.”

The weekend came to a close with the earthy sounds of Greenwood echoing through the streets of Olde Towne and organizers eyeing next year’s series.

“It was great to see our citizens really enjoy themselves,” White said. “It’s a great set-up for people of all ages.”

This was the first time City Hall provided the atmosphere for the concert. In years past, the Daphne Civic Center Complex had served as the setting.

“City Hall was an incredible backdrop for the stage and lighting,” White said. “It provided a cozy and more intimate setting for all the participants.”