The Uptown Live concert series continues in October on the Murfreesboro Public Square with performances by First Fruit Jazz Project and the Ryan Casey Trio.

The concerts, held on the balcony of Shacklett’s Photography, are free, and organizers hope that those shopping, dining, strolling or hanging out near downtown Murfreesboro enjoy the talented local musicians who participate in the project, and that the music might even draw some people to the Square.

“We do this to promote downtown business, and to get folks together to just enjoy one another, make new friends, and have good memories of historic Murfreesboro to share with their kids,” Uptown Live organizer Thom Christy said.

On Friday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7 p.m., the Ryan Casey Trio will perform at Uptown Live.

The following Friday, Oct. 26, also at 7 p.m., the First Fruit Jazz Project will take the balcony.

The Murfreesboro combo First Fruit Jazz Project plays a unique blend of jazz, funk, gospel, blues and improvisational rock. In the opinion of band keyboardist Mark Cherry, traditional gospel hymns are rich in their lyrical content but the melodies and chords accompanying them are sometimes unable to match the emotion the lyrics evoke. A jazz-based approach was needed, he says, and Mark’s arrangements bring a fresh energy to the many traditional hymns the group performs in addition to original works.

“They’re all extremely accomplished players, and I’m sure they will rock the house,” Christy said of FFJP.

First Fruit Jazz Project has performed at many benefits, festivals, and venues in the Nashville area, including the Murfreesboro Main Street JazzFest.

For more information on Uptown Live, visit facebook.com/uptownlivemurfreesboro; Shacklett’s Photography is located at 105 S. Church St.