Tunes at Twilight series wraps up 2009 season with Lucy Wainwright Roche

Tunes at Twilight will close its 2009 season today next to the Common Pleas courthouse in downtown Cape Girardeau, but the sweet sounds that the community has heard this summer will return next year for the ninth season of the outdoor concert.

"Our goal with Tunes at Twilight is to bring the community together and give everyone a reason to get downtown. The concerts are open and free to everyone, and with them only being an hour, it's a great precursor to an evening in downtown Cape," said Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape.

Old Town Cape's goals for Tunes at Twilight were realized by more than just the locals this year, as Tunes at Twilight was recognized as Missouri's 2009 Top Special Event in Main Street communities across the state.

The award recognizes Tunes at Twilight as an event that has attracted new visitors to downtown, involved families and has emphasized downtown at the centerpiece of the community.

Tunes at Twilight is kept free through sponsorships and donations of time and service from local people and businesses.

Each Friday show has drawn substantial crowds, said Larry Underberg, who handles the booking for the events on a volunteer basis. "Tunes at Twilight is gaining popularity to the point where we get very talented artists from all over the country contacting us wanting to play, which we think is indicative of the growth we've experienced. We're proud to showcase one of the best this Friday."

Lucy Wainwright Roche will close the Tunes at Twilight season at 6:30 p.m. today.

Wainwright Roche has music in her blood, from her father Loudon Wainwright and mother Suzzy Roche to her brother songwriter and performer Rufus Wainwright.

From her childhood on, Wainwright Roche has been surrounded by creative people.

With a natural, unadulterated sound, Wainwright Roche's vocals sail over her acoustic melodies. Wainwright Roche has released two EPs, "8 Songs" in 2007 and "8 More" in 2008.