Friends of Fremont Park in Midtown have teamed up with Hot Italian again to present the Hot Lunch Concert Series, Thursdays from 11:30 a – 1:00 p for...

Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

Hot Italian’s Hot Lunch Concert Series continues until August 30 at Fremont Park.

The lunch time weekly concert series on August 2 featured the talents of Gabriella Ruiz and Survival Guide.

Eat and drinks at the Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Jerry Perry production feature continues to present gifted local artists in concert every Thursday from 11:30 – 1 p.m.

Because of the heat a canopy covered the performers providing much needed shade.

Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

Gabriella Ruiz was performing when I arrived at the concert and noticed right away that her lovely melodies enchanted guests and friends in attendance.

The 15-year-old Ruiz played several original and cover songs including “Santeria” and “Ain't Nothing 'bout You.” Ruiz played a great acoustic guitar and her refreshing presentations came through drawing new fans.

Gabriella Ruiz at Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

I was fortunate to watch her perform at Concerts in the Park last year while Perry was still promoting the event. Many of this year’s Hot Italian concert performers have performed at Concerts in the Park in previous years.

The relationship that Perry has established with local performers allows for joint collaboration between music promoter and musicians. That collaboration will probably come together as musical guests are being put together for the Chalk it Up event scheduled in September at Fremont Park.

Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

The featured band for this concert was Survival Guide.

The duo of Emily Whitehurst and Jaycen Mckissick played a variety of instruments while performing.

Survival Guide at the Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Survival Guide duo performed some of their original tunes along with some covers and treated the audience to a yet unnamed song.

Survival Guide also took the opportunity to play a song or two never played in public before. Both performers complement each other as lead and backup singers.

Survival Guide's Jaycen Mckissick at the Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

As Survival Guide came down to the end of their set they played a wonderful rendition of “Straight Up” with a beautiful piano accompaniment.

Their “Shrouded in Steel” was the last song performed and Whitehurst thanked guests for showing up to the event.

Survival Guide's Emily Whitehurst at the Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series (Image by: David Alvarez)

When visiting their webpage visitors can watch Survival Guide's You Tube video “Prohibition Pts. 1 & 2."

The Hot Italian Hot Lunch Music series has come down to its last four concerts of the year. Exquisite Corps who recently released their debut CD will be the featured guest of the next concert.