SPRINGFIELD  – The CityBlock Concerts will return to downtown Springfield on June 30. The concerts have become a Thursday night tradition for thousands of people in the summer.

Hosted by the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by MassMutual, the concert season will feature a wide variety of musical acts.  

BID Executive Director Chris Russell told Reminder Publications there have been some changes from last year’s controversial decision not to allow parking on Worthington Street. He said, “We’ve heard people’s concerns.”

This year, audience members will be allowed to park their car or motorcycle on Worthington Street up to the Pro Park parking lot. At that point the street will be closed during the concert.

That lot will also be open for parking. There will be a fee to park either in the lot or on Worthington Street, Russell explained.

The goal is to restore parking that was eliminated last year, while at the same time prevent “cruising” on Worthington Street, he added.

Besides the line-up of nationally known acts, Russell said once again each concert would feature a local band performing as an opening act at 5 p.m.

Those bands can enter a contest, sponsored by the Big E, with the winner playing at the fair.

Russell said as always food, beer, wine and soda would be available at the concerts.

FAT closed last year’s series of concerts and it opens this year’s season with a performance at Court Square on June 30.

The concerts return to Stearns Square on July 7 with “Ricky Nelson Remembered.” His twin sons Matthew and Gunnar, who had success of their own as the group Nelson, perform the tribute to the long-timer rocker and actor.

According to their website, the show “is a unique multi media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs (including ‘Hello Mary Lou,’ ‘Travelin’ Man,’ ‘Garden Party’) performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew & Gunnar and includes never before seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson.”

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Rick Nelson’s death in an airplane crash.

On July 14, Forever Motown will perform the hits of the famed Detroit, MI, -based record producer.

No act has been scheduled for July 21 at this time.

Natalie Stovall and The Drive will be on stage on July 28. The acclaimed country star and her band have been performing since 2006. Their record producer, Paul Worley, who also worked with the Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum and Big and Rich, called the group “a game changer.” He added, “They have it all. The talent, the songs, the look, the entertainment chops – and a live show that will blow you away, and Natalie is one of the best singers I have ever worked with.”

Veteran British musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Terry Sylvester was part of The Hollies and performed on “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” among other hits. He will be performing on Aug. 4. He has been awarded four Platinum, nine Gold and six Silver records for his work.

Regional legend Max Creek will be next taking the stage on Aug. 11. The New England rock band has been entertaining audience for more than 40 years.

On Aug. 18, Blessid Union of Souls will be bringing their brand of rock to Springfield. The group’s song “I Believe” reached number one in the United States, Southeast Asia and Indonesia, while “Let Me Be the One” was a Top Ten song here and “Oh Virginia” cracked the Top Twenty list.    

The pop band The Shadowboxers will close out this year’s concert series. The band built up a following as the backing band and opening act for the Indigo Girls.