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DICKINSON — With male cover hits of Tina Turner and Shania Twain, First on First hit the streets Thursday in Dickinson, with performances by The Boys of Summer and headliner Raynes.
The 2022 First on First: Dickinson Summer Nights is back for a season line-up that runs through Aug. 4. Followed by The Boys of Summer who opened the night with country hits, the British-American trio Raynes took the stage, sporting flashy shades of red and funky guitar riffs.
Preston Stockert came out for First on First for not only the music, but the food, drinks and social atmosphere.
“It’s nice to actually see everyone out in the street doing something rather than just being inside all the time,” Stockert said.
It brings the community closer together.
Being outside in the summer heat also brought Erin Jack to the kickoff of the concert series.
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“It’s really good to get out,” Jack said. “I’ve never actually been to like the food part of it; I’ve always had to come after 9, so it’s cool to see how busy it gets.”
As the heat died off into the night, children and older folks danced in the street, to classic hits such as Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.”
“It brings the community closer together and (a way to) make peace if you got beef with somebody or whatever,” Austin Earl Smith said.
The Dickinson American Legion Post #3 had its food trailer parked near one of the entrances to the downtown concert, serving hotdogs, hamburgers and baskets of French fries.
“I think it’s a great Dickinson tradition and I’m just glad the American Legion is part of it,” Vice Commander Rich Brauhn said.
It is enjoying the people, enjoying the music, enjoying the food, enjoying the company and people like this. You never know who you’re going to see, quite frankly.
The Legion Post #3 has been a part of the event since it was called Alive @ 5 , Brauhn said, adding that they also bring a raffle to each First on First performance that helps support local veteran causes.
“I enjoy the people. I mean the people come up and they thank you for your service and we visit, we chat, stuff like this, and they’re willing to donate to a good cause,” Brauhn said. “Dickinson people are really supportive of the Legion and military service in general. And so, we always look forward to make those connections. We have guys that come back who have bought tickets for years and I mean a lot of tickets…
"It is enjoying the people, enjoying the music, enjoying the food, enjoying the company and people like this. You never know who you’re going to see, quite frankly.”
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The ever elusive Spider-Man returned to the streets of Dickinson, saying that he was all about coming out for First on First to enjoy the scenery and have a little fun.
As children spotted him throughout the evening, photos with Spider-Man were a hit with families as the music echoed throughout the streets.
For the first time officially on record with The Dickinson Press, Spider-Man said that the music, the people and “interesting faces” make the summer night concert worth it each year.
“It feels good. I’m glad that the costume does inspire a lot of people,” he said, adding that the public can expect to see him around throughout the city this summer.
First on First will continue on June 30, with performances by Unleashed! and Devon Worley Band.
