Arts on the Waterfront, a new organization that aims to bring free entertainment back to downtown Seattle, is staging eight performances of "Romeo and Juliet" on the waterfront this summer, starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

Organizers Micky Rowe and Laurie Roberts said each of the free performances will be followed by live music and dancing, and local artists will display their work.

Cellist Brandon Smith will provide live accompaniment at each show.

The rest of the performances, all at 7 p.m., are Saturday and Sunday; June 22-24; and June 30-July 1 at Waterfront Park, 1300 Alaskan Way.

Although the shows are no-cost, donations are welcome to benefit The Trevor Project, a group that provides crisis-intervention and suicide-prevention services to lesbian, gay and transgender youth, organizers said.