INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration is celebrating 53 years of tradition.
Friday night, thousands of people packed the American Legion Mall downtown to hear R&B legends perform at the free outdoor concert.
"We are ready to set it off down here, OK," Cathy Hollowell said.
The concert included performances from R&B legends The O'Jays, Grammy-winning singer Stephanie Mills, R&B group Dru Hill and R&B crooner Howard Hewett.
"I'm just here to have a good time. That's all that's on my mind," Michelle Strong said.
Some people sat for hours waiting to hear some of their favorite singers.
Many people, like Bobby and Pat Mills, have been attending the free concert since it started.
"This is our date night," Pat said.
The couple sets up in the same spot every year.
"We enjoy the atmosphere and watching all the people," Bobby said.
The concert even attracts people from out of the state.
"It's beautiful weather. Everything is beautiful," Cynthia Hayden said.
Some felt like the event was more like a family reunion than a concert, and the memories are what keep them coming back.
"Supporting our city. If we stop supporting this, then it will fade by the wayside," Bobby said.
"Just seeing everybody. Life is so short. People are dying. Just be out here with no trouble," Hollowell said.
Indiana Black Expo has a lot more events coming up through the weekend.
Saturday is the All-White Affair concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Black and Minority Health Fair is happening all weekend.
For more information about those events and other activities during Summer Celebration, click here.