Folksinger and songwriter Richard Thompson is featured tonight in the Lowell Summer Music Series. There was a long line of people waiting for the opening bell to ring at 7 a.m. so they could get their chairs and blankets in place. The forecast is for mixed sun and clouds, so let’s hope for a clear sky this evening. Central Street was partially blocked due to cobblestone work. UTEC construction crew was already busy on the Hurd Street side. I saw Alex Demas with this fiddle case, who must have been coming from a WCAP appearance to promote the Banjo and Fiddle Contest on Saturday, Sept. 10. The Lowell Summer Music Series management team is looking forward to the Friday, Sept. 9, show with Warren Haynes of Allman Bros., The Dead, and Government Mule fame. Tomorrow night at Bd Hse Park the star is Matisyahu, a Reggae Rapper, and there will be a large contingent of UMass Lowell students thanks to the Student Activities Office. We’re wrapping up another impressive season of the Music Series. Congratulations to all the organizers, sponsors, and ticket-buyers.

Last thought: Can someone explain what the Lowell Connector construction work is about? It’s a huge project, but I don’t know enough about roadwork to be able to figure out what is going on. Shoring up overpasses?