Nine years ago, Music in the Streets struck a chord with area residents and those lucky visitors who happened to be in Washington for the first-ever Music in the Streets event.

Tonight, Music in the Streets returns for another season ą proof of its popularity. Now under the umbrella of the Washington Harbor District Alliance, Music in the Streets, thanks to an infusion of new blood, has been revitalized. That revitalization began last year. This year, that revitalization is being continued by Beth Byrd, WHDA director, and the event’s music committee. That panel includes Lavon Drake, Alan Futrell, J.B. Mayes and Sara Woolard.

These folks know all too well the hard work it takes to put on Music in the Streets the third Friday of each month from April through October. In fact, a handful of volunteers are responsible for each Music in the Streets event, which draws several thousand people to Washington’s downtown.

As its name implies, Music in the Streets offers musical entertainment. It’s much more than that. It offers area residents, and others, the occasion to socialize with people they see each day, people they see once or twice a week and people they haven’t seen in months, if not years. Music in the Streets is an in-your-face social media. Instead of socializing via the Internet, people who go to Music in the Streets have opportunities for up-close-and-personal interaction.

An encounter with an old high school classmate at the corner of Respess and West Main streets could turn into a meal shared at one of the downtown restaurants. Bumping into a former college sweetheart could revive the flames of a past romance and lead to the marriage altar.

Music in the Streets provides opportunities to learn more about the community and what’s available in that community by visiting booths set up by area nonprofit groups. As those groups distribute information about their services and programs, recipients of that information may find it worthwhile to make donations to support those services and programs.

While Music in the Streets patrons may express their appreciation for the musicians’ participation by leaving tips in jars, guitar cases or a hat, those patrons should not forget to show their appreciation for Music in the Streets organizers.

How does one show that appreciation? Simple: attend as many Music in the Streets events as possible. Large crowds let the organizers know they are doing a good job and that their efforts are appreciated.

Music in the Streets does offer a chance to hear a jingle, but it also offers a chance to mingle.

Take advantage of both opportunities from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight.