HARMONY — Though rain and cooling temperatures Thursday kept some residents inside, the Phat Cats filled the borough with the soulful sounds of the blues at the first in this summer's concert series.

About 100 people set up lawn chairs from the Harmony Inn front door to the sidewalk across Mercer Street to hear the band, which is from Beaver County.

"It's a nice, quaint little town," according to Rick Leopardi, bass guitarist with the band. "They shut the street off, and folks line up and have a good time."

The Harmony Inn has hosted the summer concert series for a dozen years.

The Phat Cats appreciates the venue because it draws audience members not likely to see the group perform at a bar or similar venue, Leopardi said.

"It's a fun, relaxed night," said Pam Greenawalt of Jackson Township.

She and her husband, Dave, attended their first concert in about two years Thursday, but they had been frequent concertgoers in the past, she said.

Vance Williams of Evans City said he enjoys socializing and listening to the various musical groups throughout the summer.

"It gives you a nice community feel," Williams said.

The summer concerts were the brainchild of inn co-owner Gary Barnes.

He was told the inn hosted similar performances nearly a century ago when the building was known as the Ziegler Hotel, Barnes said.

"This is good for the community because ... this is America," Barnes said with pride.

Ellen Roberts of Zelienople echoed his comments: "There are not many places you can go and sit under the trees and listen to music with neighbors and friends."

The Harmony summer concert series continues on alternating Thursdays.

Upcoming performances are: July 3, the Allegheny Brass Band, followed by Zambelli fireworks; July 17, the rockabilly band Highway 13; July 31, honky tonk/western swing group 706 Union; and Aug. 14, Kardaz, featuring classic hits from the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., except the July 3 show, which begins at 8 p.m.

For information, call the Harmony Inn at 724-452-5124.