Pop/rock artist Matt Stansberry films Season 2, Episode 1 of the Chevy Bricktown Showcase at Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse.

Local bands used to practice in Bricktown’s empty warehouses because there was no one in the area to complain about the noise. Today, local bands are rocking out all over Bricktown — on street corners, in restaurants, at the nation’s first School of Rock and more.

And Bricktown merchants are loving it. So much so that they’ve produced a series of short documentaries featuring local musicians and are hosting a free summer concert series. The Lower Bricktown Live concert series, sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Team Dealers and Tinker Federal Credit Union, launches on Thursday, June 2, with a free concert from nationally known singer-songwriter Graham Colton, an Oklahoma City native. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Chevy Stage located just south of the intersection of Reno Avenue and Mickey Mantle Drive.

The new season of the Chevy Bricktown Showcase, sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Team Dealers, launches on Friday, June 3, with local pop/rock artist Matt Stansberry. The Chevy Bricktown Showcase is a mini-documentary series that explores the vast wealth of talent emanating from the Oklahoma City music scene, inviting the viewer to come along and “hang with the band” for a day. The videos, artist profiles and free song downloads will be featured on WelcomeToBricktown.com.

“We’ve all witnessed Bricktown’s incredible development over the past decade from being filled with empty warehouses to becoming the region’s fastest growing entertainment district,” said Jeannette Smith, Bricktown Association Executive Director. “Now we’re enjoying another transformation as Bricktown becomes a hub for the music industry in Oklahoma and the region. The Chevy Bricktown Showcase and Lower Bricktown Live concert series will help nurture that transformation even more.”

The Lower Bricktown Live free concert series will continue every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. through August 18. Ben Bynum, property manager for Lower Bricktown development company Stonegate Hogan, said the concerts are family-friendly and attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

“Whether you’re bringing the whole family or stopping by after work with friends and coworkers, the Lower Bricktown Live concerts are a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the summer season,” Bynum said.

Graham Colton said he’s looking forward to playing in front of a hometown crowd at the Lower Bricktown Live kickoff concert this Thursday.

“I am so excited to play in my hometown as part of the Lower Bricktown Live concert series,” Colton said. “My songs are inspired by my experiences in Oklahoma, and I always love performing them in my hometown. The local music scene is ever growing and I’m proud to have a small part in it.”

Future Lower Bricktown Live acts include the Chris Hicks Band; Green Corn Revival, with special guest Scott Hartman; Hargis and Co.; Cami Stinson, with special guests Bundles; Jamie Bramble; Matt Stansberry, with special guests foS; Squirrel & Friends; Mama Sweet; Equilibrium; Jennifay Joy & The Pretty Boys; and the Hi-Def Howlers.

A new Chevy Bricktown Showcase documentary will be posted each Friday on WelcomeToBricktown.com. Matt Stansberry, who will be featured in the premiere episode on June 3 and will perform at Lower Bricktown Live on July 14, said he appreciates the Bricktown community for its efforts to promote local music.

“There’s never been a better time to be a musician in Oklahoma City, and I’m just lucky to be a part of it,” Stansberry said. “We have such a supportive community of artists, venues and fans, and this is just the beginning.”

Other musicians featured in Season 2 of the Chevy Bricktown Showcase include Daniel Walcher, O Fidelis, Will Porter, Ryan Lawson, Jabee, Horse Thief, FM Pilots, Kite Flying Robot, Taddy Porter, Chad Sullins and the Last Call Coalition, Born in November, Junebug Spade and Brianna Gaither. To view Season 1 episodes, visit youtube.com/chevybricktown.