With heavy drumbeats, bright melodies and a wide variety of world instruments, Rusted Root took the stage Friday in downtown Lockport to kick off the 2009 Molson Canal Concert Series season.

The crowd began filling the Ulrich City Centre in the early evening.

Mayor Michael Tucker was one of those who arrived early and watched as the members of Rusted Root warmed up onstage.

“We’ve all been eagerly anticipating today,” he said. “It looks like everyone’s going to have fun.”

He said he was grateful for the sunny weather.

“It’s a nice day,” he said, looking up at the blue skies. “We got lucky.”

The good weather brought in a large crowd, with many showing up early to catch the opening acts — New Clear Fusion, Steve Johnson and Bearhunter.

Sitting in the middle of the parking lot, Barbara Tyson of Lockport said she thought the concert series is a good thing for the city.

“I think Dave (Ulrich) and Mike (Tucker) deserve a lot of credit,” she said. “It’s fabulous.”

Tyson and her companions, Becky Stewart and Charlie Quagliana, both of Lockport, said they attended most of the concerts last year.

Stewart said that after Rusted Root, the band she’s most looking forward to seeing is Queensryche, who headlines the series July 31.

Quagliana said he noticed the police presence around the concert area, with a small number of uniformed officers standing and keeping watch over the crowd.

He speculated that the presence helped prevent any problems in the audience.

“Last year, we were really happy with how nice the crowds have been,” he said. “We’ve been pleased.”

Sitting on a bench nearby, Lockport teens Scott Casey, 19, Devan Miller, 18, and Darlynn Miller, 19, watched the show with dad Doug Miller.

Doug said the family only missed “one or two” shows last year and plan to attend most of them this year, as well.

The teens all agreed they’re glad to have something to do in the city.

“I think it opens up Lockport, gives people something to do,” Devan said.

Darlynn and Doug both said they think it will help the city’s economy.

“Especially in these times,” Doug said. “It’s good publicity.”

Merchants inside the concert gates sold burgers, pizza, pretzels and other food items. Molson beer was on sale, along with Molson cigars and other souvenirs.

After taking the stage, the opening bands gathered under small tents to sell CDs and other merchandise.

As the sun set and the concert got into high gear, the crowd’s energy level increased. When Rusted Root took the stage, the crowd cheered and clapped along with the music.

Next week’s show, with headliner Our Lady Peace, is expected to draw a big crowd, Tucker said.

“It’s going to be a fun night and fun summer,” he said