Brace yourselves, Hickory music aficionados: Tobacco Road is hitting the stage this Friday for the city's beloved Sails Original Music Series. Join the crowd at Union Square, downtown, where the North Carolina-native folk rockers will deliver their soulful tunes starting at 7 p.m., and best of all, it's free. This quintet has made a name for themselves with an eclectic blend of southern soul, progressive blues, rock, and a distinctly modern twist, earning them buzz from East Nashville to their home state stomping grounds.
Hayden Robert and Briggs Mcelwee, the lead and rhythm guitarists who are also cousins, join forces with Annabel Dwyer's lead vocals, TJ Fink on bass, and Madi Schoninger on drums to form Tobacco Road's core group. These best friends share a passion for music that shines through every performance, laden with energy and a raw, engaging presence. The band, described as "the Southern spark the folk rock scene's been waiting for" by Bob Sinclair, coordinator for the Sails Original Music Series, will give Hickory locals a taste of what's garnering praise across music platforms with their debut singles and forthcoming EP, according to Hickorync.gov.
For those looking to ramp up their school spirit, Lenoir-Rhyne University will kick things off with a pep rally at 6:15 p.m. not just for LR football fans, but the entire community, replete with appearances by Mayor Hank Guess, university President Dr. Summer McGee, and the team's head honcho, Coach Socha, among others. This precursor to the Tobacco Road show is a prime opportunity to mingle with fellow residents, the LR Band, Spirit Team, and mascot Joe Bear, all before the main musical event. It's a two-for-one deal that's hard to beat for a Friday night.
The Sails Original Music Series is a Hickory institution since 2012, home to well-crafted, live music, ushering in artists from across the globe, right onto The Sails on the Square. It's a venture steeped in community and made possible through support from local sponsors like Protection Products, Inc. and a handful of others who believe that original music — music penned and performed by the artists themselves — is worth celebrating. If you're planning to attend, don't forget your lawn chairs or blankets for a comfortable evening under the stars. And yes, drinks from the nearby ABC permitted businesses can be sipped while you sit back and soak up the sounds within the Hickory Downtown Social District's designated areas, although, outside alcohol is a no-go, a tidbit confirmed by Hickorync.gov.
After Tobacco Road's performance, the series will continue with the bluesy stylings of Selwyn Birchwood next Saturday, followed by the innovative sounds of New Translations on September 26. It's clear the Sails Original Music Series is not just a showcase, but a cultural thread in Hickory's fabric, connecting artists and audiences in a genuine dialogue set to music.
