If your plans don’t include being at the Levitt Lot this Thursday night, then you need to change them because you don’t want to miss this show.

This week, Grammy nominated drummer Sammy Miller and his ensemble, the Congregation bring their joyful jazz to the sixth week of the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series.

The Middlesboro Main Street newsletter explains that Miller has become known for his relentless focus on making music that feels good as a drummer, singer and bandleader. His band is on mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people.

This week the music is a style that makes you feel good, it entertains, it enriches the soul, but most of all it uplifts.

To preview Sammy Miller and the Congregation, you can check them out on YouTube on their channel Sammy Miller and the Congregation. There you can hear their original works that you will hear Thursday on the Levitt Stage.

The group released their self-titled debut back in 2017 and have been winning fans with effusive, often ebullient live shows ever since.

SF Weekly had this to say about them, “This is feel-good party jazz, harking back to the 20s and 30s. It’s brassy, stomp your feet and dance music, and it’s got the raw, uplifting vibe of a New Orleans street parade.”

Sammy Miller and the Congregation will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. to headline the sixth week of free, live music in Middlesboro.

“We are so excited,” Emily Ayers, director of Middlesboro Main Street exclaimed. “We look forward to seeing everyone out there this Thursday. The food vendors will be set up to sell food at 6 p.m. so be sure you come out early. Bring your lawn chairs or even a blanket to set up on the lawn and join us for another great show.”

Pianist/keyboardist, singer/songwriter and composer Ben Maney will open the evening at 6:30 p.m. with music that ranges from rock to Delta blues and jazz fusion to Americana.

According Middlesboro Main Street, Maney is based in Knoxville, where he has been a staple in the musical scene for almost 30 years. Those years have exposed him to a variety of musicians and musical styles.

He has performed with various bands but has also opened for nationally and internationally touring artists such as Johnny Winter, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Delbert McLinton and many more.

Food vendors will be set up to serve food on the blocked off area of Cumberland Avenue beginning at 6 p.m.

New this year, a local artist, such as sketch, photography, painter, etc., will be featured each week with their works of art being displayed.