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Rally in the Square begins its season
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LIMA - How can you tell it's a good night at Rally in the Square?
Simple: you just know.
The weekly musical event, which kicks off its 19th season today in downtown Lima, has that little something special that has kept it running for nearly two decades, said rally chairman Mike Baker.
"There have been magical nights where everything was all coming together," he said. "It's something that's hard to define. At the end of an evening, if the crowd is having fun and they're dancing and people are all in a happy mood, there's a spot where the band knows its all going good and everyone is having a good time. When you're there, you know it worked and you see it in people's faces."
Baker said he and others work extremely hard to plan the rally seasons, checking out new groups and scheduling bands during the winter months. Over the years, the rally has grown in size, duration and budget: what once involved only two rallies with local bands has evolved into a 16-date schedule with both local and regional talent. The attendance numbers at the rallies have also grown, averaging 1,200 to 1,500 people per show.
"We get bands from all over the region," Baker said. "We get a lot of bands from Chicago, Detroit and Nashville, and Columbus and Cincinnati, and every one of them has made comments over the years that they don't have very many events like this in their home towns that can draw that many people, especially every week. It's something different and special."
Baker said this year promises to be one of the best rally seasons yet: opening with The Jimi Vincent Band, upcoming highlights include Stacy Mitchhart, a regular at B.B. King's clubs in Nashville and Memphis, and the ‘60s gold band The Devonshires.
With new acts and fun in store this season, Baker said he hopes to continue the fun times the rally is known for.
"It has always been a very pleasant event," he said. "It's got its own special thing going on. After all this time, I definitely have a soft spot for the rally."
Rally in the Square
WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today
WHERE: Town Square, Lima
COST: $1
FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.rallyinthesquare.com for the season schedule and other information.
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