Brad McNett's take on the classic American songbook kicks off AnnArbor.com's Summer Concert Series at noon Friday.

Free live music—in the form of the Great American Songbook, no less—returns to the patio at AnnArbor.com this Friday at noon for the first event in this season's Summer Concert Series.

Vocalist Brad McNett performs classics—both well-known and less so—from the last century's golden age of American popular song, featuring works by Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins, Harold Arlen and Frank Loesser, among others.

Although just in his 20s, McNett was first introduced to the music of the Great American Songbook at age 10 and has since tried to learn as much as he can about the songs and the people who wrote them. Digging through vintage recordings, films, and sheet music has created his unique repertoire. He counts Audrey Morris, Blossom Dearie, Justin Hayford and Matt Dennis as among his influences.

McNett released his debut EP, “Introducing: Brad McNett,” in 2009, recorded with some of Detroit’s top musicians: Scott Gwinnell on piano, Jordan Schug on bass, and Jesse Kramer on drums. Schug is slated to be part of the performance Friday.

McNett has performed with a host of well-known musicians including Johnny O’Neal, Claude Black, Clifford Murphy, Paul Keller, Michael Shea, R.J. Spangler and Steve Talaga. He sings with the band Rampage Swing.

Friday's concert, like all of the shows in the series, is free admission. Music starts at noon on the patio at AnnArbor.com, 301 E. Liberty St. (at the corner of Fifth Avenue). Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch, or not.

Listen to Brad McNett perform "Have You Got Any Castles, Baby?":