The Asheville Downtown Association kicked off its 26th season of Downtown After 5, presented by Harmony Motors, and boy was it one for the books. A little downpour didn't stop thousands from gathering on Lexington Avenue and staying for two incredible shows. (Check out the fun time lapse video below.) Local darlings The Broadcast opened with a scorcher of a set, despite a slight rain delay. They were followed by Southern Soul Rockers, St. Paul And The Broken Bones wowed everyone in attendance. St. Paul And The Broken Bones Headlining the May event, St. Paul And The Broken Bones is gaining national exposure with a recent feature on NPR’s Morning Edition and a shout out from Rolling Stone Magazine. The band’s Southern soul sound is described as gritty, elemental and tight, and that sound translates to their high-voltage live show sure to enrapture the crowd.           Taking place the third Friday of the month from May through September from 5-9pm on North Lexington Avenue, Downtown After 5 is always free and open to the public. Here is what to expect for the rest of the summer:  June 20: Drivin’ N’ Cryin’  The last time Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ headlined the Downtown After 5 stage, it was the largest crowd in the history of the music series. Playing their own style of Southern rock since the 80s, DNC has shared the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sonic Youth and Neil Young. Their new album “Turntable” is being touted as the band’s best work in two decades. American Aquarium Hailing from Raleigh, American Aquarium has spent the last six years on the road building a fan base from coast to coast. Whether you call it alt-country, Americana or roots rock, one thing is for certain-their music is a fresh voice that borrows from many forms of the American songbook. Nonprofit Wristband Partner: LEAF Community Arts LEAF Community Arts uses music and the arts to empower children and adults from varying socio-economic backgrounds in order to build communities. LEAF is visibly seen throughout the downtown community through the Easel Rider, a mobile art lab that provides creative space for children and adults alike.  July 18: Hayes Carll  Wildly literate, utterly slackerly, impossibly romantic, absolutely a slave to the music, the Texan is completely committed to the truth and unafraid to skewer pomposity, hypocrisy and small-minded thinking. Playing honkytonks and rock clubs, Bonnaroo and SXSW, Carll has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, the LA Times and on NPR. Chatham County Line  Selling out shows across the country and overseas, bluegrass veterans Chatham County Line serve up traditional, old-time flavor with a fresh twist. They’ve been seen on the stages of Merlefest, Rockygrass and The Winnipeg Folk Festival. Nonprofit Wristband Partner: United Way 211 United Way 211 is a free, confidential health and human service referral line available 24/7 in any language. The line directs those in need to services that address homelessness, food insecurity, financial literacy, emergency financial assistance, substance abuse issues, health concerns and more. August 15: The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker  The Dynamites take very seriously their sacred mandate of carrying the torch of "real" soul music forward. Charles Walker continues his age-defying prowess, at the top of his powers; strong and getting stronger. The Dynamites continue their relentless commitment to the greatest, most positive and celebratory musical art form in America.   Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics  Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics roots are embedded in the rich sound and history of Georgia soul, beginning with the early 50’s and 60’s R&B. Having performed countless gigs since 2005, the band has already contributed heavily to the steadily increasing awareness of genuine rhythm and blues music that exists today.     Nonprofit Wristband Partner: Asheville City Schools Foundation Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Asheville City Schools Foundation supports the students of the nine Asheville City Schools through volunteer academic coaching, after school programs, scholarships, emergency assistance to families in crisis, and grants for teachers. September 19: Asheville All-Stars The All-Stars will include members from Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, The Asheville Horns, Molli Party, The Hermit Kings, Bayou Diesel, Mary Francis and The Dirty Classics, The Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band, and many more. As a testament to the abundance of musical talent in Asheville, this year's Asheville All Stars Band boasts an almost entirely new lineup when compared to the cast of last year’s inaugural show.  Asheville Rock Academy Students from Asheville’s Rock Academy will open the September show. Rock Academy gives young musicians the opportunity to meet and play together while learning from professional musicians. They may be young, but these kids rock!   Nonprofit Wristband Partner: MANNA FoodBank MANNA FoodBank, founded in 1982, links the food industry with over 200 partner agencies in 16 counties of WNC. MANNA supplies food and resources to many downtown food pantries, meal programs and shelters. For every $1 raised, they can provide three meals to residents facing hunger. Downtown After 5 is sponsored by: Harmony Motors featuring Volkswagen of Asheville, Audi Asheville and Porsche of Asheville, Budweiser of Asheville, Sierra Nevada, Pisgah Brewing, Empire Distributors, 98.1 The River, Rock 105.1, 105.9 The Mountain, Star 104.3, Asheville Scene, WNCW, Renaissance Asheville Hotel, Sound Mind Creative, Go Mini’s, Sundance Power Systems, The Orange Peel, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Asheville Color & Imaging and Able Rent-a-John. Volunteer opportunities are still available for the Downtown After 5 Music Series. More information at www.ashevilledowntown.org/volunteer. Downtown After 5 is a production of the Asheville Downtown Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation and improvement of the central business district. More information about Downtown After 5 and the Asheville Downtown Association can be found online at www.ashevilledowntown.org or by following through social media including Facebook (www.facebook.com/AshevilleDowntownAssociation) and Twitter (@AVLDowntown).