Student Government is sponsoring its first Third Street Beat tonight in downtown Baton Rouge.
SG created the block party to encourage students to discover what SG officials call the many things downtown has to offer, including museums, night-life and restaurants.
Danielle Wheeler, SG co-director of public relations, said the University is an integral part of Baton Rouge, and SG wants students to be a part of the city and help with its economic development and revitalization.
Aimee Verrette, SG co-director of special projects who planned the event, said “Downtown is flourishing, and students need to be exposed to it.”
But many students do not explore downtown and do not realize it is growing, Verrette said.
Verrette said SG decided to have the concert early in the evening to give students time to spend downtown after the concert.
The Neighborhood Stars, a funk and soul band, will play at the concert.
Verrette said SG chose the Neighborhood Stars because SG thinks the band will draw a large and diverse crowd.
Street Beat is part of SG’s Louisiana Week, which Verrette said examines the benefits and drawbacks of Louisiana and promotes change.
SG decided to change the way it celebrates Louisiana week by having a concert.
“We wanted to spice up Louisiana week,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler said the Street Beat is about having a good time and celebrating the culture of the state.
Verrette said SG will provide a free shuttle for University students who provide LSU identification. The shuttle will pick up students from the front steps of the Union.
The concert will be on the 300 block of Third Street between Florida Blvd. and Laurel Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.