A series of free beach concerts may be in the works on the Alabama coast, courtesy of BP.

A free Jimmy Buffett concert Sunday drew thousands to the beach in Gulf Shores.

Officials say they hope to line up a string of big-name performers through the fall with funding from BP, whose oil spill has hurt tourism on the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Promoters say acts may include country singers Faith Hill and Zac Brown and soft rocker Jack Johnson.

The free shows would help lure visitors to the beach where Buffett played and generate business for hotels, condominiums, restaurants and stores.

A $15 million tourism grant from BP could be used to stage the shows. About $3.5 million in tourism promotion money from BP paid for the Buffett concert. The performers donated their time.