The crowd enjoys music by The Zooks at the kickoff for the 2014 Madison Gazebo Concert series. (PHOTO / Heartstrings Photography by Heather)

MADISON – Persistent drizzly showers gave way to a successful season opener on May 29 for the 2014 Madison Gazebo Concerts.

The Zooks kicked off the summer concert series, hosted by the Madison Arts Council (MAC). “Although it had rained most of the day, the clouds had parted a bit by the start of the show at 6:30 p.m.,” MAC President Shrail Heinrich said.

“The Zooks had the crowd singing along and tapping their toes. A couple of folks even got up and started dancing to familiar tunes by Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Atlanta Rhythm Section and more,” Heinrich said.

The damp ground didn’t inhibit individuals’ four-legged friends from attending the concert. “Several families brought their pups, too,” Heinrich said.

Madison Station Antiques at 110 Main St. sponsored the opening concert and held a raffle for two gift certificates.

Providing concessions at the concert, Sady’s Bistro served sandwiches, fruit and snow cones. “Piper and Leaf was also on hand selling their popular artisan teas, which were served from a Mason jar,” Heinrich said. “Their blends included the Monks Meditation, an entrancing blend of Ceylon Estate black tea, grenadine, catnip and vanilla.”

During the summer on Thursday evenings, the concerts are free in downtown Madison at the gazebo on the Village Green off Front Street. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.

“Madison Arts Council has partnered with local businesses to include a free activity for children on most concert nights,” Heinrich said. “Be sure to visit on June 5 when JED Eye entertains with rock cover songs from the 1990s.”

For more information, visit artsmadison.org.