ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- It’s no secret that developer Bill Edwards has had an ongoing love affair with St. Petersburg.

  • Developer Bill Edwards announces summer concert series at Al Lang Stadium
  • Rowdies owner promoting events during summer lull
  • Al Lang Live, Mahaffey Theater events to start in June
  • Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster

The owner of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Edwards has invested in the Mahaffey Theater, Al Lang Stadium and the Sundial retail development.

His next big venture is to bring more music to downtown starting this summer.

On Thursday, Edwards announced a summer series of concerts at Al Lang that will include music guests Poison, Lauryn Hill and Counting Crows, among others.

Edwards says he wanted to place an emphasis on entertainment during the summer months, when business and tourism in the city tends to hit a lull.

“We’re sitting here with businesses that are somewhat empty,” Edwards said. “And we need the business so the whole idea of this is to have a have summer concert series that we’re about to announce that will revitalize downtown during the weekdays.”

Noise ordinance questions linger

The summer series comes as city leaders still try to hammer out a noise ordinance that will accommodate both businesses and the growing residential population downtown. 

Edwards said he's taking the noise into consideration in planning the concerts.

“I can't do much about where the park is and where I have to put the stage,” said Edwards. “But I can make a difference in how loud I make it, and how I angle the speakers, and how I make it early.” 

Downtown Neighborhood Association President Matt Weidner said it all remains to be seen and, more importantly, heard.

“Of course, the devil is in the details,” says Weidner. “We'll have to wait and see what the details are. For now, the important thing is that we all want to engage in a community dialogue and discussion about it.”

The summer series also includes events at the Mahaffey that will include Donnie & Marie Osmond and former Vice President Joe Biden and his “American Promise” tour.

Tickets for the upcoming Al Lang Live shows can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For tickets to Mahaffey Theater events, visit themahaffey.com or call 727-892-5767.  

AL LANG LIVE

Poison with Special Guest Pop Evil - Friday June 29, 8 p.m.

Rock & Roll Express Tour with 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul and Special Guest Soul Asylum – Wednesday July 11, 6:30 p.m.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour – Sunday, July 29, 6 p.m.   

Counting Crows with Special Guest Live – Tuesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.

DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS – MAHAFFEY THEATER

Vice President Joe Biden’s American Promise Tour – Monday, June 4, 7:30 p.m.

David Blaine – Wednesday, June 6, 8 p.m.

Donny and Marie – Friday, June 29, 8 p.m.

Erasure – Saturday, July 7, 8 p.m.

The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show– Saturday, July 14, 8 p.m.