Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic basket as Arts United for Davidson County kicks off its annual series on July 1 with the Tom Holladay Orchestra. Each Thursday in the month, bands representing different genres of music will entertain crowds from 7 to 9 p.m. as trains roll through scenic downtown. In the event of rain, the concert will move to Central Recreation Center on East Main Street.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for folks to come out and listen to the different types of music,” said Doris Brown, executive director of Arts United of Davidson County. “We’ll have an orchestra, a gospel group, country music, bluegrass and a brass band. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to hear the different types of music we have in our culture today.”
On July 8, New Wine gospel band will take the stage, followed by the Scott Huffman Band on July 15, Giannini Brass Band on July 22 and Ken McIver Davis and Steve Lindsley on July 29.
Brown says Sunset Sounds was started more than eight years ago as a way to keep the arts alive in the area.
“This program had been promoted in other communities and we decided that Thomasville was a great place to try this,” said Brown.
An expression of culture, arts keeps people in touch with elements of the world around them, Brown said.
“I think art identifies a community and it goes to the quality of life that anyone has in their particular area, be it a city or a community. I think it defines who we are,” Brown said.
Arts United for Davidson County also is participating with Uptown Lexington and artist and teacher, Melinda Hedrick, in their annual Summer Strolls. The remaining Summer Strolls will be Friday, June 25, and Friday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in uptown Lexington.
Performing in the Conrad and Hinkle side of the square will be the popular Lexington musical group, Marble Alley Band. West Second Avenue will host SandyCreek Farm from the Lexington Farmers Market, craft vendors, a children’s activity area and the music of Dustin Crouch and Christy Koelling, who together are “Simple Song.” Classic car enthusiasts, can visit each quadrant of the square where classic owners will show off their cars and restoration talents. All events are free.
Since its inception, Arts United from Davidson County has been a key to promoting artists in the area. Funded through donations, the organization depends on the community to continue its programs. The national recession and a sluggish local economy has brought trying times for Arts United, forcing numerous cutbacks, as well as a move from its former location.
“So many businesses have gone from Davidson County and with the economy the way it is , we’ve lost a lot of our funding,” Brown said. “We’re hopeful that the economy will turn around. We’re doing our best to operate on the budget we have.”
Those wishing to contribute to the organization in its efforts to highlight local artists, can send donations to Arts United for Davidson County, 220 N. Main St., Lexington, N.C. 27292. For more information, call 249-2742.
Editor Lisa Wall can be reached at 888-3590, or at editor@tvilletimes.com.
the picture of Scott Huffman. I would love for you to do an interview with him before his concert on July 15. Scott has been playing the
guitar since he was 8 or 9 years old. In fact, he and two other little boys had a band called the
"Cyclones". They were quite good and entertained
all the children that lived in the Wallcliff area one summer. The Times did a story on them and had
some pictures of them with all the children around.You have been printing some pictures of
Thomasville's past and I think i would be neat to
show that picture of Scott when he was a little boy. One of the boys was Mike Donahue and he and
his parents lived in Wallcliff while he was growing up. This would have been in late 60's or
early 70's
Thank you for listening. Martha Blake
mblake@northstate.net