Sails Original Music Series returns this Friday in Hickory

Hickory -- The City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series returns at 7 p.m. this Friday, September 2, with Greg Humphreys Electric Trio performing on The Sails Stage in downtown.

Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Greg Humphreys cut his teeth as frontman and songwriter for bands Dillon Fence and Hobex, releasing LPs for Atlantic and London Records and playing thousands of shows throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe in the 1990s and 2000s.

Humphreys moved to New York City, where he reconnected with North Carolina bassist and composer Matt Brandau and later teamed up with drummer and producer Keith Robinson to establish the Greg Humphreys Electric Trio in 2014.

“Big personality NYC band leader Greg Humphreys brings his power rock trio to town to start the fall Sails Music lineup and we’re all in for a treat!” said Bob Sinclair, coordinator for the series.

Prior to the concert on Friday, Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) will host The Bears are Back Pep Rally at 6 p.m. on Union Square to celebrate the LR Athletics and prepare for LR’s football season home opener on Saturday, September 3.

The pep rally will include appearances by Hickory Mayor Hank Guess, LR President Fred Whitt, and Coach Jacobs, along with the LR Band and Spirit Team.

“The City of Hickory is proud to support Hickory’s hometown LR Bears and incorporate a pep rally into this exciting event downtown,” said Dana Kaminske, communications and marketing manager for the City of Hickory. 

“What a festive way to not only kick off the football season, but also another month of incredible musical performances from the Sails Original Music Series,” she added.

The music series will feature free concerts at 7 p.m. every Friday in September. The band lineup includes Miss Tess on September 9, Jake Blount on September 16, Randall Bramblett Band on September 23, and Lonesome Ace Stringband on September 30.

The Sails Original Music Series presents excellent musical entertainment from all over the United States with the help of numerous sponsors. Two new sponsors for this season are local companies Atriax, PLLC and David E. Looper & Company. Returning sponsors of the series include Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza. 

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs in addition to seating available at Union Square. A variety of close-by bars and restaurants offer food and beverages. 

The Hickory Downtown Social District allows patrons of downtown ABC permitted establishments to drink an alcoholic beverage on sidewalks, Union Square, and other public areas within the designated boundaries of the social district. For more information about the Hickory Downtown Social District, special restrictions, and a detailed map of the coverage area, visit https://www.hickorync.gov/downtown-social-district.

For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming bands, please visit www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic and follow the Sails Original Music Series Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.