By Chris Taylor
Metropolis, IL – In a 5-3 vote, Metropolis City Council members opted to help bankroll additional outdoor concerts at Harrah's Metropolis Casino and Hotel this year. Harrah's requested the city subsidize $30,000 from its tourism tax fund to help book big-name acts. Last year, Metropolis put up $150,000 for a six-concert series, including two coming up in the next few months. Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is slated to play at the end of May and country music star Gary Allan will perform in July. Mayor Billy McDaniel tells the Paducah Sun he's pleased with the amount Harrah's request this year and it shows the hotel and casino is now able to contribute more to their own projects.