It’ll be a party on the pavement in downtown Macon on Saturday during the Cherry Blossom Festival Street Festival.

“We have an excellent lineup,” said Stacy Campbell, director of sales and marketing for the festival.

There are two stages, each presenting multiple bands.

“You really can’t find a better variety, or better artists, for the price,” Campbell said. “The first stage is the Cherry Plaza Stage and our headliner for the evening is Rodney Atkins. The other artists include Stevens Layne and Gasoline Bros.”

The other stage will feature hip-hop music.

“The featured artist on the other stage is Digital Underground and will also showcase Nappy Roots, Bo Ponder & Old Soul and CMD Styles.”

Maconites may take particular pleasure in the performance of CMD Styles’ “I Love My City.”

“I think people will get a huge kick out of this song,” Campbell said. “It’s something we’re really excited to be able to present.”

Regardless, there will undoubtedly be something to appease all musical tastes.

Atkins, who is perhaps best known for his current hit “Take A Back Road,” epitomizes the hope of festival planners that folks will kick back and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment.

“What does it mean to follow your own path? I try to think about that a lot when I’m making an album,” Atkins said on his website. “To me, it’s going somewhere you’ve never been, because when you do that, you wind up seeing things that no one has seen before, which means you can paint the picture differently.”

When asked about his most recent hit song, Atkins said on his website, “It’s one of those songs that the first time I heard it I thought, ‘Boy, that feels good.’ It’s catchy and something you want to just crank up, but then, the more you hear it, you realize it’s not just a ditty -- it’s about life. If you want it to be just summer ear candy, it can just be that, but also it’s about getting right with your soul, coming down to earth.”

For Campbell, at least, the street party is the chance to bask in the warm summer-like weather with friends, and enjoy the delights of downtown Macon.

“The stages are surrounded by some of Macon’s best shops and restaurants. With good music available, we’re hoping people will come out, relax, sing and dance along, and just have a good time,” she said. “The Cherry Blossom Festival is close to winding down and this event is definitely one of our capstones that I hope no one will miss.”

For up to the minute news about the Street Party and festival, visit the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cherryblossomfestivalmacon. Any changes to the schedule of events will be listed there.

Cherry Blossom Festival Street Party

When: Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Cherry Street, downtown Macon

Information: 751-7429, www.cherryblossom.com

Cost: $12 in advance, $20 at the gate