With the addition of two new sites, the number of stages hosting the area's top local talent is increasing to seven. The live music begins at 6:30 p.m.

"Every year of the 10-year existence, Freeman Friday Night Live has seen improvement and I'm confident that 2010 will be no different," said Roger Igielski, president of the Downtown Waukesha Business Association, the downtown merchant group that organizes the event. "In 2009, we saw a very large surge in attendance and I think one of the reasons was our expansion from three stages in 2008 to five stages last year. The past success of the event has drawn the return of last year's five stages, as well as two new stages for this year."

Joining the Freeman Friday Night Live lineup are Sprizzo Gallery Caffe, 363 W. Main St. and Generations at 5 Points, 294 W. Main St.

Returning stage locations include:

- The Steaming Cup, on the corner W. Main Street and Clinton Avenue.

- Martha Merrell's/Cuddles at Main Street and S. Gaspar Street.

- Waukesha Antique Mall on Bank Street, near the Fox River.

- Poppin' on Broadway on West Broadway, near the Five Points

- Sounds on South stage, near the corner of South Street and Clinton Avenue.

Freeman Friday Night Live is a rain-or-shine event. Each stage site has a designated indoor area in the case of rainy weather.

While Sprizzo is new to Freeman Friday Night Live, owner Karla Harper said Sprizzo is no stranger to live music on Friday nights.

"Sprizzo has been showcasing local talent with both indoor and outdoor patio performances for over 12 years," she said. "We have been hosting ‘open mic' on Fridays for that length of time, as well. The increased exposure to our new location is one reason for joining Freeman Friday Night Live."

The season kicks off Friday night with Mike and Kathy Gallenberger at the Martha Merrell's/Cuddles stage, Waukesha's Barefoot n' Bluejeans at The Steaming Cup, Buffalo Al plays the Waukesha Antique Mall, the Notebenders at the Rockin' on Broadway stage and Bam Bam and the Gigolos at the Sounds on South stage.

Alexa Grey performs at the new Generations at 5 Points, located in the alley next to the restaurant, and Matt Story and Elliot Dennison double team the Sprizzo stage.

"The downtown has been revitalized and is alive," said Igielski, who along with his wife, Carrie, own and operate Allo! Chocolate. "The one-way streets are gone and there are 1,800 parking spaces in the downtown. We have many new businesses, boutiques, art galleries and dining establishments, in addition to those that have endured the test of time due to their many supportive patrons. Join the hundreds of guests who come every week to enjoy themselves in historic downtown Waukesha and the riverwalk."

Overflow parking for Freeman Friday Night Live is available in The Freeman parking lot, 801 N. Barstow St., and across the river near the Waukesha Antique Mall.

For more information, please call 544-8030 or visit www.gmtoday.com/freemanfridaynightlive.

Friday's lineup

Freeman Friday Night Live presents the following acts to the first week:

Mike and Kathy Gallenberger at the Martha Merrell and Cuddles stage

Barefoot n' Bluejeans at The Steaming Cup on Main and Gaspar streets

The Notebenders at the Rockin' on Broadway stage

Bam Bam and the Gigolos at the Sounds on South stage on the corner of South and Clinton streets

Alexa Grey at Generations at 5 Points in the alley next to the restaurant

Matt Story and Elliot Dennison at the Sprizzo stage on Main Street