Three bands slated for music event

By JERRY LANKFORD
Record Editor

   Pickin’ on the Square, the monthly cultural arts event sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes, will be held Saturday afternoon. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be at the corner of 10^th and Main streets at the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park in Downtown North Wilkesboro. Three bands will perform live acoustic and original music from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Cathy McKenzie, director/program director for the Arts Council, said, “Music is such a vital part of our community and also falls under the umbrella of the Arts Council. We are proud to promote this event and the musicians, which will also promote Downtown North Wilkesboro.” The first band to play on Saturday will be The Local Boys — from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Skipper’s Wheel, featuring Larry Skipper, will perform from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dahlia Blue, along with special guests R.G. Absher and Mike Palmer, will play from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m.

   Members of the Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society will perform at various times during the musical event. Musicians will also play at the nearby Arts Council office at 911 Main Street while not performing in the park. Absher, who will be running the sound and managing the stage, said he is excited about the event.  “We did something like this in Wilkesboro last year,” Absher said. “Now we’re doing it in North Wilkesboro, which is the future home of the park.” He added, “It’s great to offer something where passersby can come listen to music by Wilkes musicians. It creates an atmosphere and a festive spirit where people can come and enjoy the culture and historic aspects of downtown North Wilkesboro.”