Take a closer look as KC and The Sunshine Band play MS Coast music venue’s first concert

Hundreds, if not thousands, of cars filled the decaying parking lot on the site of the former Singing River Mall on Friday night for the first time in ages and music filled the air of the normally quiet Gautier streets as the Mississippi Coast’s newest venue lit up the night with its first show.

The Sound Amphitheater, a new multi-million dollar music venue built adjacent to the mall property now only home to Belk, finally opened its gates to crowds of music lovers as inaugural act KC and The Sunshine Band blasted disco tunes for thousands of Mississippians.

Before the event, Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughn spoke to the crowd about the impact The Sound will have on the city of Gautier and the surrounding community. Vaughn was joined by other Gautier council members and leaders as well as government officials from throughout Jackson County and the state as they cut the ribbon opening the venue.

Government leaders weren’t the only ones included in the ceremonial opening. A special Gautier song was performed by the Resurrection Catholic School choir followed by performances from the Gautier High School choir and the Gautier High School band.

Harry Wayne Casey, aka KC of KC and The Sunshine band, also spoke to how exciting it was to be able to host the first concert in the venue. The 1970s group opened with some of their hits before shifting into more ballad love songs, which Casey still belted out, even though, as he said, “I’m not in my 20s anymore.”

Take a look at photos from the concert.