ATLANTA - Dueling summer concert series --featuring 21 free shows on stages within shouting distance -- have thousands of people spending their Friday nights in downtown Atlanta, which usually empties out as the sun sets. <br>
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The acts include Top-40 favorites such as Alanis Morissette and Michelle Branch, along with harder-edge bands Nickelback, Alien Ant Farm and Hoobastank. The atmosphere is more county fair than rock concert, with hot dogs, funnel cakes, cold drinks and inflatable slides for the kids. <br>
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On the Bricks, the larger of the two series, is in its second year, featuring a dozen shows at Centennial Olympic Park. The series drew a half million people last year and is averaging about 35-thousand fans per show this year. <br>
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Held in an old parking lot across the street, Downtown Rocks sports an edgier sound but similar results. It is averaging between 20,000-40,000 fans a show. <br>
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Support, however for the shows, initally was not there. <br>
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Mayor Shirley Franklin refused to grant Downtown Rocks a concert permit, citing concerns about the two series' coordination of security and traffic. A city-hired arbitrator overruled Franklin and the competing concerts were on despite the worries of city officials.
