WBRZ - Baton Rouge

The popular Music in the Park free concert series in Kenner has become the latest casualty of the economic downturn.

Mayor Ed Muniz said that it is not the right time for the gatherings, when his 2010-11 proposed budget calls for layoffs.

Muniz said the main cost of the concerts is the bands. He said a $24,000 grant from the state tourism office paid for the concerts last year. The concerts normally begin in April, before the hottest part of the summer.

Kenner Councilman Gregory Carroll said he is checking with local businesses to see if it's possible to hold a shortened session of concerts.