Mother Nature is at it again, taking aim at the Sand in the Streets summer concerts at Pearson Park. What would have been the 2013 season opener and 10th anniversary birthday party tonight has been postponed due to heavy rains.
But never fear. Suicide Blonde has been rescheduled for June 27 and North Tower’s June 20 concert will become the series opener and 10th anniversary party. A ceremonial birthday cake will be served and opening remarks will be given by Joe Tyson, Mayor Pro Tem and chairman of the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism and Development Authority, sponsor of the concert. Rick Vernon, DownEast Today host, will emcee.
UNC fans will especially like the North Tower concert. The group began in 1975 as an a cappella vocal quartet, tracing its roots to UNC and the Old East dormitory where some of the founding members lived. Their intricate four-part harmonies and strong vocals earned praise throughout the Triangle area, and the hallmark tradition continues.
Every year since 2004, Kinston’s business leadership has stepped forward to help Pride of Kinston produce the outdoor concerts. From the first, they have provided the economic backbone making the concerts possible. With four new ones added this year, the 2013 sponsor list in large measure mirrors the past, continuing the tradition of support from the business community.
The series has grown from single concerts in 2004 and 2005 to a total of 51 bands through 2012 bringing concerts to downtown, with a number of the music groups playing multiple concerts.
“We probably have the most diverse lineup of bands we’ve had in a long time,” said Adrian King, Pride executive director, “and this is due, in large part, to the generous support of the business commjunity.”
Audiences for the riverside concerts have grown each year, making the series a favorite family-friendly outing for music fans from all over the region.
Sand in the Streets 2013 Schedule
June 20, North Tower
June 27, Suicide Blonde
July 4, Breakfast Club
July 18, Four Knights Band
Aug. 1, Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos
Aug. 15, Spare Change
Aug. 22, Band of Oz
6 to 8 p.m. at Pearson Park, except for July 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. with fireworks
Free to the public
Info: Pride of Kinston, 252-522-4676, ext. 2020 or adrianking@downtownkinston.com