Aren't you glad Downtown Live! is a concert series and not an outdoor, open-to-the-public tongue surgery clinic? Or possibly a plein air adult education taxidermy course?

After all, taking place on New London's City Pier at Waterfront Park, where the tide meets the crosswind and the Thames River burbles by under the summer twilight — with food trucks and a mobile saloon — the setting and atmosphere are perfect for an evening of music. 

And what a lineup for this season's first Downtown Live! show on Thursday: There's a strong roots/Americana theme with John Speziale and Sweet Mercy!, the Balkun Brothers, the Rivergods, and Blue Eyed Blackbird. 

Feel free to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs — and you should also feel free to leave them if the spirit moves you to dance (and it will).

Downtown Live!, 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday, City Pier, Waterfront Park (in case of rain, The Social, 208 Bank St.) New London; free; (860) 701-0506.