Get ready to tap your feet to the stirring strings and haunting harmonies this Friday, as the City of Hickory's Sails Original Music Series brings the Holler Choir to downtown Hickory. Offering a blend of old-time sounds with an innovative twist, Holler Choir is set to hit the Union Square stage at 7 p.m. for a free concert that's sure to draw both music aficionados and curious onlookers alike.
The Asheville-based band, led by Clint Roberts, has a sound that's difficult to shove into any single box. It's a little bit of old-time, a touch of Americana, and a sprinkle of bluegrass, but altogether unique. According to Clint Roberts in a statement obtained by the City of Hickory, the name "Holler Choir" is open to interpretation. He adds that it could mean "a choir that hollers, or a choir from the hollers of western North Carolina," but whatever you take away from their sound is entirely up to you. Joining Roberts are Helena Rose on clawhammer banjo, Joey Brown on upright bass, mandolinist Jackson Grimm, and fiddle player Julian Pinnelli. Their collaborative efforts promise to fully immerse the audience in an authentically Appalachian atmosphere.
Bob Sinclair, the Sails Music Coordinator, didn't hold back on his praise for the group. "Led by choir director Clint Roberts, this new acoustic band is not going places – they are already there! You're going to love Clint’s voice," he told the City of Hickory. And it's not hard to see why; with a rotating cast of talented musicians and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Holler Choir is firmly planting its roots in the landscape of must-see music acts of 2025.
Sails Original Music Series, which started in 2012, has consistently showcased live, well-crafted original music by featuring artists at The Sails on the Square. The series thrives with support from local sponsors, including Protection Products, Inc., Bob Sinclair Music, and others, who have worked to create an inviting atmosphere for these community events. Concert-goers can bring their own chairs or blankets and are encouraged to visit neighboring bars and restaurants for refreshments. Remember, if you're planning to sip on something alcoholic, it needs to be in a specially marked cup from ABC permitted businesses within the Hickory Downtown Social District; no BYOB allowed here. For further details on this restriction and more, a visit to the city's official downtown social district page is a must.
