NASHUA — Several city groups are collaborating to kick off Nashua’s first ever Downtown Music Festival, which takes the stage this weekend.

The music festival will be similar to a summer concert series and block party all rolled into one, with a primary goal of attracting attention to the downtown area and its merchants.

“This is going to be a celebration for the downtown, and I truly believe it is going to add to the vibrancy of Main Street this summer,” said Chris Malloy of Community Events LLC.

Country music is the genre of choice for Saturday’s entertainment, which will begin at 1 p.m. with local bands taking the stage on Temple Street between Main and Court Streets.

At 4 p.m., the gates will open for ticket-holders to hear The Tom Dixon Band in concert, which is touring the East Coast.

“Their unique sound embodies smooth country vocals with an explosive live performance,” says a release, adding the New England Music Association named it Band of the Year in 2011.

“We have played all over the Northeast this year, and it is great to come back to our home area to play a first-time outdoor concert series in downtown Nashua,” Tom Dixon said in a statement. “It is a great opportunity for us to play in front of our southern New Hampshire fans, and meet some new fans too.”

Also performing on Saturday is Jandee Lee Porter, who will take the stage at 4 p.m., and Rock Spring, which will play at 6 p.m. The Tom Dixon Band is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m.

The Downtown Music Festival is hosted by Great American Downtown, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce and Community Events LLC, a local events production company.

Rebecca Dixon, new executive director for Great American Downtown, said when she began her role earlier this year that a summer concert series was one of the major projects she would like to see come to fruition — an event she envisions will draw large crowds into the downtown.

In addition to Saturday’s concert, two other concerts will take place throughout the summer, with each night featuring a different genre of music. July 21 will be 90’s Music Night and Aug. 11 will be the 80’s Rock Show.

Tickets will be available at the gate for $5 but may also be purchased in advance at www.DMFnashua.com. Food and beverages will be for sale, along with beer for patrons 21 and older.

The block of Temple Street will be closed to traffic starting at about 9 a.m. Saturday to set up equipment for the concert. The major sponsor for the Downtown Music Festival is Sunnyside Acura and owner Jim Powers.

khoughton@newstote.com