MADISON – A summertime tradition in Madison will return with a new venue and musicians who promise to please.

Madison Arts Alliance is presenting the free concert series, “Sounds of Summer,” that opens on June 8 with the band Groove. The concert’s venue is Home Place Park at 100 Shorter St., just south of downtown streets. Sounds of Summer will open at 7 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Rosalie Holcombe is serving as President of Madison Arts Alliance, which represents a revitalization effort of the former Madison Arts Council or MAC. Madison Visionary Partners is the alliance’s fiscal sponsor.

* Groove, June 8 — Known for their performances in funk, rhythm & blues, soul, dance ballads, pop covers and dance party vibes. Their following claims Groove as the area’s no. 1 party band. Male and female lead vocalists have a versatility of range.

Groove will play favorite hits from the 1960s and 1970s to modern charts. Groove has entertained at large festivals, weddings, corporate events and local establishments.

Food truck: New South Hotdog and Sushi.

* The Zooks, June 22 — The band’s interesting back story dates to 2000 when the group first organized thousands of miles away on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. The men forming the band knew each other from their jobs with a contractor for the U.S. Army, spokesperson Randy Razook said.

Known for its dance music from the heydays of the 1960s through 1980s, The Zooks perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm-and-blues standards. Band members pride themselves in pleasing any audience.

Food truck: New South Hotdog and Sushi.

* Calypso Vision, July 13 – This group sets a pleasing yet upbeat atmosphere to bring people in the audience to a relaxed spirit of good ‘ole rock ’n’ roll.’ The music may even induce a chance to dream.

Their self-described ‘gumbo mix’ blends the tone of Jimmy Buffett with classic rock, grounded in alternative roots and a few hippie surprises, according to their website. Calypso Vision offers folks an escape for a while, to kick back and enjoy the songs.

Food truck: Nomad’s Road Dogs.

* Jimmy Henderson Trio, July 27 – This group plays blues/rock originals and well-known covers.

Food truck: Nomad’s Road Dogs.

* Kelly Joyner, Aug. 10 – This New York native and professional musician will share her style of music. Joyner describes herself as a “singer, songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, pianist.” Joyner is no stranger to entertaining locally, with her gigs like the Open Bottle, community gatherings, Furniture Factory and Madison Street Festival.

Food truck: Mac and Snacks.

For more information, email info@madisonartsalliance.org or visit madisonartsalliance.org/sounds-of-summer.