Downtown Ames will be a place of music, food and other forms of entertainment Thursday night.

The fourth season of Tune In to Main Street begins at 5:30 p.m. at Tom Evans Plaza, 400 Main St., with the Bone People performing during the two-hour event.

Deb Marquart, associate professor of English and lead singer of the Bone People, said the music will be acoustic rhythm and blues.

“It’s an unplugged-type rhythm and blues. We will also be playing some cover songs,” Marquart said.

Some of the covers being performed are by artists such as Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan.

Peter Manesis, guitarist for the Bone People, will be playing other instruments, such as the bouzouki – a Greek long-neck lute – and drummer Tony Stevens will be playing hand drums along with other world drums such as the bongo and the djembe.

“When we play at clubs we play heavier stuff, but when we are on stage we do the lighter R&B material because of the open location and the crowd is moving around and can be participating in other events,” Marquart said.

The musical act will change every week. Burnin’ Sensations will perform June 7.

“It’s an event for people and families to enjoy,” said Allyson Walter, interim director of the Main Street Culture District.

Each week, a nonprofit organization pairs up with Tune In to Main Street for the opportunity to promote itself and raise money. This week, Habitat for Humanity is pairing with the event.

“It’s a chance for the group to work on membership and however else they want to take advantage of the opportunity,” Walter said.

Every week, a different business will provide food. This week, Ames Best Pies, 4003 Lincoln Way, is the supplier.

“There are going to be plenty of food vendors on hand,” Walter said.

There are plenty of activities for children as well.

“Silly Sally the Clown, sidewalk chalk and paint will be available. There will also be an inflatable amusement for the kids,” Walter said.

Sylvan Learning Center will have activities set up, as well as other games and prize giveaways.

Several of the downtown businesses are also going to be open late to cater to the crowd. Many will remain open until 8 p.m.

Tune In to Main Street will continue Thursday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 2.