PORTSMOUTH- The Boneyfiddle Project, an arts organization focused on highlighting the arts through a premier annual concert series, is a regional favorite that brings thousands of tourists and residents to downtown Portsmouth each year for a well-planned collection of musical acts, artisans and crafters, side-hustlers working in booths, and more. Their largest accomplishment is the formation of the Final Friday concert series, which runs May through September.

The group started the year with big promises of an eventful 10th season, and they’ve been successful thus far in reaching their goals. They are now hoping to continue that momentum next week.

The 10th season has welcomed new additions, including open mic slots for local performers, a shuttle service, and more. These additions, especially the new transportation option, have increased attendance welcoming thousands of guests to enjoy Friday evenings with community.

The next Final Friday will be Bluegrass on the Banks, a growing Scioto County tradition.

Steve Perry kicks off the concert between 5 and 5:45 p.m. The Bobby Maynard Family Band will continue things between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Finally, Rossell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out will close things between 8 and 9:30 p.m.

“Bluegrass on the Banks features a mix of local, regional and national e entertainment. Steve Perry is a local singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso. Steve will be followed by the Bobby Maynard family band out of Huntington. This is a fine bluegrass band having received numerous awards,” Co-coordinator Rob Black said. “Our headliner is Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. Russell is a 2024 nominee for the IBMA vocalist of the year and also the Gospel song of the year. Bluegrass connoisseurs will recognize this tenured band. They played Final Friday in 2019 and drew an estimated 1,500 people.”

Black explained that this is the only concert of the season with open mic slots, due to Perry being booked instead, when his previously scheduled performance was rained out.

One key feature that is still new enough that Black asked be emphasized is the shuttle service provided by Star inc., which will be a transportation shuttle running down Second Street to accommodate the expected large crowds.

According to Black, pickup points are Riverview Apartments, Toro Loco, The Ribber, Oddfellows, Oscars and the Port City Pub. No open containers or smoking on shuttles.

“Since we had so many people last year, we’re planning a shuttle to run down Second Street every 20 minutes,” Black explained. “Last year, we had people parking all the way down to Court Street. We hope this will help some of the people worrying about parking.”

The transportation option is important to Black this month, because it will allow people to go back and forth between his event and River Days.

“This year our concert coincides with the opening of Riverdays featuring the Josh Stewart band and the Party Bus band,” Black said. “We’re excited that people can shuttle between our venue, downtown restaurants and Riverdays with having to drive around town. Bluegrass on the Banks is the only concert this season that won’t feature an open mic segment.”

To date, the group has presented 45 Final Fridays, employing over 128 acts drawing tens of thousands of people to the Boneyfiddle District.

“Julia and I, along with the entire Final Friday Committee, are proud to bring these concerts family friendly to Portsmouth free of charge,” Black said. “Public is advised to bring a chair or blanket and clean accessible bathrooms are available for your convenience.”

Following Bluegrass on the Banks, the celebration will be Ladies Night on September 27. Sasha Colette and the Magnolias will kick things off at 6 p.m. and Ladies of Longford will close the evening.

The Portsmouth Daily Times will be with the organizers every step of the way, ensuring their progress continues to be in the community’s eye. Stay updated on their work through our stories, their well-developed website, www.boneyfiddleproject.org, and their Facebook page. Final Friday concerts are held at the Three Bridges venue at 137 Second Street.

“Season 10 is a benchmark for us, and we have great entertainment planned all summer long,” Black said. “We’ve managed to present 10 positive years with substantial growth annually. If you haven’t been to our concerts, it’s time to plan on being there.”