The only interruptions during this summer’s first Ames Municipal Band concert Thursday night were biting mosquitoes and the sound of the Campanile’s bells mixing with the music of the band.

With the auditorium at Bandshell Park under renovation, the area of Central Campus south of the Campanile has become the temporary location for this summer’s concerts.

The change in location did not stop a crowd consisting of many regulars and several first-time concert-goers from sprawling out on the grass on their blankets and lawn chairs.

Dawn Tank, an Ames resident and a regular concert-goer, felt the concerts’ new location was somewhat of a break from tradition, but was also a good way to expose students to the concerts.

“It couldn’t be helped, but I mean, if nothing else, I know the community is trying to bring the campus and the city together, and it’s maybe a good way to give it a try,” she says.

John Burnett-Larkins, Ames resident and the concert’s announcer, says he thinks having the concert has helped promote the idea of one community in Ames.

“I think it’s a really good example of the university and the city working together,” he says.

Jennifer Shimp, junior in agriculture engineering, says she thinks the new location has exposed more people to the weekly summer concerts.

“I think they did a lot more advertising now that they’re on campus,” she says.

“I don’t think a lot of people knew about it before, but I think eventually it will spread.”

Laurinda Smith, program coordinator of public safety and another regular concert-goer, says she hopes more students will take the opportunity to hear the band as the summer goes on.

“I’m hoping that more students are able to come over to the concerts and become aware of the Municipal Band,” Smith says. “I see a lot of the regular patrons, but I do see more students. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, there will be even more as they’re walking back and forth on campus.”

Shimp says another added benefit was better parking options. Patrons could park for free at the lot across from the Gerdin Building or, for a discounted rate, in the Memorial Union parking ramp.

Burnett-Larkins says he’s happy with the quality of the temporary stage and equipment, set up by Ames Park and Recreation.

“Talking to people — it sounds like the sound quality was very, very good, too,” he says. “You never know with a temporary set-up like this.”

Burnett-Larkins says he was also very pleased with the large turnout.

“I think it looks like we’re going to have really strong support this year, even with the new location,” he says.

Paula Anderson, an Ames resident and member of the Ames Muncipal Band, says she hopes the regulars will find the temporary change worth it.

“I think that it’s going to be so good when it’s complete that it will be worth it,” she says.

“You kind of wish now that it’d been 10 years ago, but I think it’s going to be fine because it’s going to keep that bandshell, which is a really historical landmark in town, in good condition.”

The Heartland Senior Band is the pre-entertainment at next Thursday’s concert, which will start at 6:30 p.m. The Ames Municipal Band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.