Residents were serenaded Thursday afternoon with the sweet sounds of the Newton High School Band and the Newton County Honor Band.

The free concert kicked off the first of five shows for the 2012 Luncheon Concerts sponsored by the Arts Association of Newton County, Honda of Conyers and The Covington News. The shows will take place every Thursday until the end of the May at noon.

Main Street Covington Director Josephine Kelly said local eateries will also have special offers to encouraging attendees to buy lunch downtown in addition to offering call-in service so that lunch will be ready to picked up in advance of the concert.

"The May Concert Series marks the beginning of the summer event season in the downtown district and brings out a wonderful mix of attendees. It is the most long-standing event in the downtown district," Kelly said in an email.