Ira McKinley of Social Change in Mind doesn't care for the stereotypes that come with being homeless: "Me myself being a homeless person, [I] want to show that not all of us… deserve the stigma of being lazy and a bunch of drunks and addicts."

McKinley has set out to boost both the image of the homeless in Northampton and the image of the city itself by bringing visitors to his Northampton Concert Series, taking place on Fridays starting July 3 in Pulaski Park.

"We are having hard times all over the world and if we as a community can come together and say that we care for everybody, no matter what race, creed, sexual orientation or status in life," says McKinley, "we then can have that healthy aura that attracts people from all over to come and hear these fine musicians, see these talented artists and observe these fine shops and restaurants that Northampton has to offer."

McKinley explains that he is putting on the series with the aid of Northampton Veteran Service Director Steve Connors, and the effort has received the support of many downtown Northampton businesses, the Northampton Arts Council and the Northampton Center For the Arts (which is also receiving donations to aid the concert series).

The festivities begin July 3 with a bill including the African-inspired funk sounds of Shokazoba. Primate Fiasco comes to the stage on July 17. The Lonesome Brothers play in September. More shows will be announced soon.