Since it began in 1988, the summer concert series at Miller Plaza has emerged as a marvel of sights, sounds and assembly.  The combination has made Nightfall one of downtown's biggest success stories.

Before the riverfront's rebirth produced the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX Theater and Creative Discovery Museum, Nightfall and similar efforts were drawing people to the heart of the downtown district nine blocks south.

Before Nightfall, the bustle of 9-to-5 workdays gave way to lonesome, blinking street lights after dark.  Giving workers a reason to stay downtown changed the mood dramatically.

"The idea with Nightfall was to give people a reason to come downtown when there was no other reason to bring them in," said Carla Watson of the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership, which sponsors the series.  "I think it did serve that role by creating an ambience, an excitement, a dynamic that people enjoyed being a part of."

The impetus was Miller Plaza a tree-lined, fountain-filled urban oasis between Market and Cherry streets at M.L. King Boulevard.   The plaza opened in May 1988, 12 years after its more passive predecessor, Miller Park.  Whereas Miller Park was suited to relaxation, Miller Plaza was designed for activity, a modern town square.

The on-acre plaza included a brick-paved, multi-tiered maze of seating, planters sprouting greenery, cool waterfalls and fountains, and a covered stage that blended into the scenery.  In the southwest corner was a gleaming glass pavilion whose lighted dome prompted description as "the lantern of downtown Chattanooga."

The plaza's design earned one of 12 coveted Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects, but ultimately it was the luminescence of Nightfall that drew the most tangible appreciation.  Even as it steps aside two weekends in June when its more prominent cousin, Riverbend, commands the spotlight, Nightfall shines in its simplicity.  No pin?  No problem.  Nightfall is downtown's most popular work-release program and its all-time favorite freebie.

In the beginning, music was the major enticement--and not just average music, but a world-class mix of sounds from rising and established artists.   Over the years, the lineup has included John Prine, Buddy Guy, Karla Bonoff, Beausoleil and even Barenaked Ladies before "One Week" put them in the musical mainstream.

The atmosphere at Nightfall offers access to all ages: babies lounging in strollers ,teens looking to be seen, singles scoping out the crowd, grandparents looking to relax.  Everyone from soccer moms to  Harley-Davidson bikers feels at ease at Nightfall.  And status gets lost in the mix of Levi's, Liz Claiborne and leather.

"I think that may be the biggest strength," said Ms. Watson.  "It's not just a concert, but a social event."

It wasn't always that way.  In the early days, acts were booked sporadically throughout the summer and finding a seat was easy in the plaza, which can pack in up to 2,000.  During more recent seasons, the overflow of bodies has prompted the closing of Cherry Street and two lanes of M.L. King, where the Harley riders gather.

The venue has proven extremely popular with performers, said Ms. Watson.  At last year's appearance by San Francisco swing band The New Morty Show, some of the overflow crowd danced at the front of the stage; others settled on chairs, fountain edges and on the ground; the rest stood jam-packed around the perimeter. The reception prompted band leader "Morty" to fall to his knees after the show and beg Ms. Watson to book the band again.

Though it is by far the most popular, Nightfall isn't the only downtown temptation.  Daily Rhythm & Noon concerts entertain lunchtime crowds during warm weather.  Winter Days & Lights gives the downtown skyline a holiday glow.  The Coffeehouse series moves the action indoors in the winter for low-key concerts at Miller Plaza's Waterhouse Pavilion and at Bessie Smith Hall.

All of the events are coordinated by the Downtown Partnership, which formed in 1991 as a division of River Valley Partners.  Though the goal was to promote downtown, the support of music has been an important side benefit.

"One thing I've noticed," said local musician Mark Hall, "is that by getting people downtown to listen to the music at Nightfall, it gets them interested in other things downtown.  The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership has been a catalyst for a lot of other things going on."

Restaurants ranging from the Blue Angel on the north shore to KZ's Wings and Things on the south side now regularly offer entertainment on weeknights, not just weekends.

"I think there are a lot more choices for people to make downtown, which is nice," said Ms. Watson.  "We also want Chattanooga businesses to thrive."

The exposure is good for musicians because it leads to more jobs, said Hall, who has played at Riverbend, Warehouse Row, Miller Plaza and the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, among other venues.  But it also opens up new musical worlds for listeners.

"It helps people accept and appreciate music more, besides what they hear on the radio," he said.