MARK YOUNG OF Iron Mountain will perform Thursday for the Out to Lunch program in downtown Iron Mountain. His repertoire of more than 1,200 songs ranges from Alabama to ZZ Top.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Mark Young will bring his popular sounds to the Out to Lunch concert Thursday in downtown Iron Mountain.

The OTL program takes place on Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Aug. 13 at the Magee Johnson park, on the corner of Hughitt and Iron Mountain streets, across from the main Dickinson County Library.

Young began his music career playing acoustic guitar so he could sing songs by the writers he loved, such as Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg and other bands of the 1960s and ’70s. Over the years, his skills have branched out to the ukulele, banjo and dulcimer, and he can proudly play more than 1,200 songs by request.

Crispigna’s, Jean Kay’s Pasties, and Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts will continue to provide food for the OTL program. Crispigna’s is offering a pre-order service and a pay-by-phone option for concert goers, with a designated “pick up only” spot for such orders. For more information, call 906-774-0266.

Some seating is provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. To remain compliant with all state COVID-19 regulations, the OTL program is unable to provide umbrellas to the public, so attendees should bring their own along with beverages to stay as hydrated as possible.

Audience members also are asked to respect social distancing guidelines, such as using the indicated areas at each food vendor’s table for forming lines and keeping the proper distance when choosing a seat. Social distancing protocols must be adhered to for the OTL program to remain compliant with state regulations and continue to offer the event.

The free OTL concerts are provided by Friends of the Downtown Development Association and its presenting sponsor for the 2020 season, the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area.

This week’s concert is sponsored by Mully & Mo’s, the Hallmark store in downtown Iron Mountain. “I’m so proud to be a part of the program,” owner Sammantha DeJesus said. “We feel such a sense of tradition and community being a part of it.”

Mully & Mo’s also has donated a gift basket valued at more than $50 to the program that can be won by entering on the OTL Facebook page.

The winner last week took home a donated gift basket from First Bank. The raffle contest cannot take place this year due to COVID-19 regulations, but the DDA and OTL program work with concert sponsors each week to provide a Facebook giveaway.

The OTL program is funded entirely through sponsors and donations. Buckets will be available at the event for those wishing to donate. Such donations help the OTL program to cover expenses and keep it free to the public.

Weather conditions forced moving last week’s Out to Lunch concert to Friday rather than Thursday. Despite the sudden change, vendors, band members and attendees all were able to accommodate the shift.

“We’re so grateful to the band, Greg Hunt, and all our vendors for their willingness to switch at the last minute,” said Amber Pipp, DDA program director. “The community was so patient and understanding and it makes it all truly worth it.”

Due to current COVID-19 regulations, the Braumart Theatre can’t be used as in the past, so concerts will be canceled if inclement weather threatens. Information on cancellations will be posted to the OTL Facebook page, and also will be announced on the radio.

For more information, go online to www.DowntownIronMountain.com/Out-To-Lunch, or the Out to Lunch Facebook page at facebook.com/ironmountainouttolunch. To volunteer or donate to Out to Lunch, call Pipp at 906-774-8534.