BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Notes of gypsy-jazz-style music wafted through Blackburn Park on Sunday, along with aromas of fried fish and hush-puppies and the murmur of fellowship of approximately 80 attendees.

The fifth annual Firefly Concert Series hosted by First United Methodist Church brought the band Roman Street to perform on Sunday, as attendees relaxed in lawn chairs and enjoyed the warm, evening breeze.

First United Music Director Cris Smith said the event came about because the church wanted to bring the community together.

“We started this as an outreach, just to do something special for the community,” he said. “We had the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra come a few years ago, and we heard how nice it sounded in this park. It’s a natural amphitheater with the gazebo and the buildings behind it. You can hear how nice it sounds without much work at all.”

First United member Lyn Stuart said Roman Street is her favorite band in the series.

“They’re a great band,” she said. “They’ve been performing with us every year, and they even performed twice one year.”

Smith explained that he tries to bring variety to listeners when planning the line-up of the series.

“Every band has a unique sound, and it’s not necessarily Christian music,” he said. “It helps open up the doors for other people. All music is a gift from God.”

The series will continue at 6 p.m. on the remaining Sundays in June at Blackburn Park.

Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on during the free event.

The June 19 concert will feature Fat Man Squeeze, and the June 26 concert will host the Suburban Jazz Quartet.

For more information, visit www.fumcbayminette.com.