Locals react to Sundown in the City change

Trio employee Lesley Cox, left, helps customer Scott Norris at the restaurant in Market Square. Cox discussed the effect that changes in the "Sundown in the City" concerts from twelve shows during the summer to five will have on the restaurant's business.

Tomato Head manager Trace Bateman gives an interview discussing the changes in the "Sundown in the City" concerts from twelve shows during the summer to five, in Market Square on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2009.

Trace Bateman, manager at Tomato Head restaurant on Market Square, said he doesn't expect business to be hurt by the curtailing of Sundown in the City concerts.

But Lesley Cox, who works at Trio's Cafe, said she is worried that Sundown in the City slimming down from 12 to five free concerts will hurt the restaurant.

"During the (Sundown) nights, we bring in a lot of business," Cox said. "It's going to affect it a lot. Thursday nights without the show here, it's not going to be as busy. We bring in employees because of Sundown."

Matt Sprouse, owner of Abode, said he is happy that Sundown will still be happening - albeit in a smaller fashion.

"Honestly, I'm just glad they're going to do it at all," he said. "I think AC Entertainment does Sundown for Knoxville, not for themselves. Just the fact that they're willing to continue to invest in Market Square is great for us."

Sprouse said AC Entertainment President Ashley Capps met with Market Square business owners and residents in the fall to discuss how Sundown affects them.

"And we sat down and all of the restaurant owners couldn't say enough good things about Sundown," said Sprouse. "Obviously, they love it. ... And for us, having 10,000 people outside your door is never a negative thing."

Andrew Myers, eating lunch Wednesday on Market Square, said he has been to several Sundown concerts, and they were crowded. He's worried that fewer concerts will mean bigger crowds.

"I think, in general, it gets very, very crowded," Myers said. "So if they cut it down more, then it's just going to be more crowded. And that's not necessarily a good thing, I don't think, from a pedestrian standpoint."

Another diner, Michael Jenkinson, favors more shows, not fewer.

"It seems like you get more and more people every year," he said. "So if anything, they should have more shows."

Sprouse said, even in a reduced capacity, the Sundown series is a good thing for the city.

"Overall, everyone has absolutely thought it was a positive thing," he said. "I mean, it put us on the map. ... So now, there's a huge amount of momentum behind downtown."

Kristen Letsinger may be reached at 865-342-6432.

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