A GOOD NIGHT IN THE PLAZA: Jack Ingram Draws Huge Crowds to 903 Sun Sets | News

Local bard Michael O’Neill and his band kicked off the event, playing songs from his latest album ‘Still Try’n’ as well as older classics like ‘The Vet’ and ‘Tallman’.

Hosted by Visit Paris, Texas, 903 Sunset takes place every Thursday in June at 7 p.m., rain or shine, according to Lamar County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Allen.

Despite threats of rain all day and damp clouds overhead, Allen estimated that about 2,500 people attended the free concert.

Voted Best New Vocalist at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards, Texas-based Ingram has performed numerous songs from her repertoire, including the No. 1 single “Wherever You Are,” and received critical acclaim. received high praise from

“I started out at a place called Adairs Saloon in Dallas, Texas,” the two-time Grammy nominee says between songs. “My name is Jack Ingram. I live in Austin, Texas. I play country music.”

Four streets around Culbertson Fountain were decorated with food trucks, and at Petty’s Rocket Raceway Park, kids gathered around dirt track race cars to promote the upcoming racing season.

“A lot of people don’t know we’re back in business. We bought this truck last winter,” said co-owner Kevin Rogers. “This is our second season, so it’s time to get the news out and the audience on Saturday night.”

As with previous performances at the 903 Sun Sets, children threw soccer balls at each other around the stage and several couples danced to Ingram’s song in the twilight.

“Thank you,” Ingram said midway through the set. “What a night.”

The 903 Sun Sets conclude its second season at 7 p.m. Thursday, headlined by former “American Idol” contestant Ashley Amber.