The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership continues its 2009 Nightfall Concert Series on Friday, on the BlueCross Stage in Miller Plaza with a performance by singer/songwriter Eleni Mandell.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Eleni Mandell brings her richly imaginative lyrics and soft, breathy vocals to the stage. Ms. Mandell, who cites Tom Waits as her biggest influence, has been praised by critics for her talent and diverse recording styles, including folk, jazz, alternative and country.

This year, Ms. Mandell recorded her seventh album, Artificial Fire. With edgy hooks to nearly every song, this album has allowed her to expand her already impressive musical palette.

Andy Whitman of Paste Magazine says Artificial Fire “should ensure that the radar is firmly fixed on her music for a long time to come—this big, bright blip on the screen is the best pop album I've heard in months.”

Opening act Taxicab Racers will take the stage at 7 p.m., followed by Eleni Mandell at 8 p.m.

Celebrating its 21st season, this free concert series continues to bring an eclectic mix of rock, blues, jazz, reggae, zydeco, funk, bluegrass and folk music to Downtown Chattanooga. The 17-week series is held on the BlueCross Stage in Miller Plaza on Friday evenings from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 25. Beer, wine, food and non-alcoholic drink concessions are available on site. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

For the first time, you can win the chance to see your favorite Nightfall artists in comfortable stage-side seating in Herman Miller chairs, courtesy of Office Coordinators Inc. Four seats, along with some free drinks and indoor restroom access, will be available for purchase each week through a silent auction bid which may be placed at the Nightfall table, or on the Nightfall website at www.DowntownChattanooga.org.

Beginning at 6 p.m. each Friday, free Nightfall parking is offered for vehicles with a Kelly Auto Group sticker in the Republic Parking lot at 10th Street between Broad and Market Streets. Limited handicapped parking will be available on Georgia Avenue across from the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building.

Corporate sponsors for this year’s series are Fletcher Bright Company, Chattanooga Cycle & Scooter, Bud Light, EMJ, March Adams, Kelly Auto Group, Food Lion, Fox 61, The Pulse and NPR Music 88.

For more information on this free community concert series, call 423 265-0771 or visit the Nightfall web site at www.DowntownChattanooga.org.