www.musicatmarinerswharf.com
Music on the Green at Mariners Wharf Park began last year as a way to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy the beautiful waterfront of Downtown Elizabeth City and its independent businesses while promoting the growing local music scene. This year's music series will prove to be bigger and better with the partnership between Music on the Green and the Downtown Waterfront Market!
Beginning August 10th and continuing for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings through September 28th, local and regional bands will perform at Mariners Wharf Park (Water Street, across from Cypress Creek Grille) from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, sit back and enjoy the music. Each week the spotlight is on a different artist, a different genre of music.
On those same evenings, the Downtown Waterfront Market will be open for business from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, featuring local produce and food vendors.
Market and Music – what could be better?
It is only because of the overwhelming generosity of sponsors that this event will happen. THANK YOU! We encourage everyone to visit their businesses and help support them for supporting this wonderful event.
- August 10 – Bobby Plough
- Bobby Plough is a Texas native who has come to love Elizabeth City almost as much as the Elizabeth City community has come to love him. Most folks know Bobby as the entrepreneurial owner of the ever-popular Cypress Creek Grill located in downtown Elizabeth City. Not only is he a chef and businessman, he has developed quite the reputation as an extraordinarily talented singer, songwriter and musician.
- He is a mid-Atlantic version of Jimmy Buffet in that his songs are written from his life experiences and performed in a Texas-Mex genre of country, folk, and Americana. An avid surfer, horseman, and nature lover, he certainly has many experiences to draw from.
- Bobby’s performance will be a laid back acoustic solo gig. He will perform songs from his popular CD, “Barn Full of Memories” which was written on the beach in El Salvador. Don’t be surprised, however, if he invites a friend or two to join him on stage.
- Web site: www.bobbyplough.com | www.myspace.com/bobbyplough
- August 17 – EZ Malone
- EZ Malone is a local and regional favorite, known for his "red-hot and rocking, cutting edge, electric blues in the tradition of the masters," EZ is a two-time Apollo performer and specializes in blues and oldies (but goodies, of course). He is an entertainer in the truest sense of the word, playing hits from Albert Collins, BB King, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Jimi Hendrix. He's been featured on UNC-TV's Piedmont Blues segment. He performs regularly at the Outer Banks. He is a crowd pleaser and very interactive performer. He generates and electrical energy throughout his audiences.
- August 24 – Next Weeks Blues
- Next Weeks Blues plays a mixture of Blues, Old School Soul, Reggae, and Rock. Their influences range from Etta James to Robert Johnson to the Three Kings (Freddie, Albert, and B.B.). At the helm is singer, Linda Farley accented by the lead licks of guitarist, Dennis Lighthart. And it’s all bound together by the rhythm section, bassist, Michael Huffman and drummer, Tom Williams.
- Songs in their repertoire include:
- Sittin on the dock of the bay
- Ain't no Sunshine
- Proud Mary
- All I could do was cry
- Summertime blues
- First cut is the deepest
- Save the last dance for me
- Me and Bobby Mcgee
- Blue Bayou
- Black Velvet
- Crossroad blues
- Evil ways
- Knock on wood
- Respect
- I heard it through the grapevine
- Mustang Sally
- You really got a hold on me
- Midnight hour
- Sweet home Chicago
- Stand by me
- Give me one reason
- Web site: www.myspace.com/nextweeksblues
- August 31 – Country Classics Band
- The "Country Classics Band" was formed at the beginning of 2010 after John Anderson [guitar] and Mercer Long [guitar] met while they were in Elizabeth City visiting their respective mothers and struck up a conversation about music. It was then they realized that they both liked "Classic Country" music that was mostly recorded in the late 50's and 60's. The band plays music from artists such as Hank Williams Sr., Merl Haggard, Elvis Presley and others from this era. Mercer enlisted the help of his son Jerry to play drums and a friend Steve Ackley came on board to help with the vocals and play Mandolin. Another friend Dickey Ferrell [pedal steel guitar]also was playing from time to time with the group. Wayne Sanders [fiddle/Banjo]and Mike Albertson [Bass/ Guitar] heard that the guys were practicing in Camden on Saturday nights and started setting in. From there the group was hired to play at a rather large birthday party and thus the group was formed.
- Web Site: www.myspace.com/countryclassicsband
- September 7 – Chuck Hodges and His Makeshift Band
- This group of locals is a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n roll! More specifically, "progressive modern rock and alternative country." The result is a "bluesy-folksy, roots-rockish, guitar-centric sound." Everyone who hears Chuck Hodges and His Makeshift Band falls in love with their laid back style. They will calm you and energize you at the same time. Their music has a way of making you feel like all is right with the world.
- "Like an old friend you never knew you had, Chuck's music greets you with a familiarity that's almost palpable. Startlingly revelatory lyrics and instantly memorable melodies invoke nearly every human emotion as songs about truth, love, heartache and hope unfold like the melodic chapters in a musical book. Unabashed and disarming, and with a voice that's at once wounded yet hopeful, Chuck writes songs that draw you in with their rich imagery, and then keep you with their musicality." -- from www.chuckhodges.com
- September 14 – Paper Mountain
- Paper Mountain is an acoustic duo comprised of singer/songwriters Alice Conner and Sean Parker. They have been performing together for years melding their different musical influences into a soulful package of blues, folk, country, jazz, rock, and everything in between. They are most at home playing at vineyards, weddings, in cozy coffeehouses, private parties, and festivals. They have had a great deal of success from their debut CD entitled, "View from Above" (recorded at Flat Five studios in Salem, VA.) and have performed live in-studio sessions on 93.7 BOB FM, 89.5 WHRV, and 100.9 WRRW.
- During the day, they are both full-time private music instructors in Virginia Beach, VA with almost 25 years combined experience ---Sean teaches bass, mandolin, and guitar and Alice teaches voice, piano, and guitar. Sean has been playing in many bands for over 15 years and grew up in the Roanoke area where he has performed alongside such well-known musicians as Dave Matthews, Cool and the Gang, and KC and The Sunshine Band. Alice was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, and in 2004, earned a B.A. in Music from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She was fortunate enough to perform with the university choir at Carnegie Hall and to study abroad in Germany while attending O.D.U. Since graduation she has been busy teaching, writing, and performing her own music with Sean. Together Alice and Sean form Paper Mountain---Two musicians meeting in the middle of the same art form from different directions...
- Website: www.myspace.com/papermountainmusic
- September 21 – Donnie Denny
- Donnie is the local fella who made the big time last year by being chosen as runner up in the Oprah Winfrey Karaoke Challenge. He doesn’t only sing karaoke, as you might imagine. He sings a wide variety of contemporary Christian songs, as well as country music. Since appearing on Oprah, he has travelled to Branson, Missouri, and is currently working on recording an album and completing a music video in Nashville. He just returned from performing at the fan focused Fanfare event.
- See a couple of his videos: Oprah's Karaoke Challenge finalist Donnie Denny sing "Amazed" | Donnie Denny Sings Amazed - YouTube Video
- September 28 – NHS Jazz Band
- The jazzier side of a marching band, these youngsters will inspire you with their musical talents. Led by Band Director and local musician, Wayne James, there is no doubt that they will be top notch. They will entertain you with contemporary jazz, as well as traditional jazz tunes.
Please support our generous sponsors. They are the reason the music festival is a free event.
- Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast, 108 East Fearing Street, 252-338-2177, www.elizabethcitybb.com –- The best bed and breakfast in downtown Elizabeth City! Quaint and peaceful lodging with a beautiful courtyard loaded with birds and flowers. Located in the historic district, only a few blocks from the waterfront. You’ll recognize it by its welcoming yellow door. Oh, and you’ll fall in love with Ray and Maureen.
- Toyota of Elizabeth City, 1002 Halstead Boulevard, 252-335-4301, www.toyotaofelizabethcity.com -- 80% of all Toyotas sold in the United States over the last 20 years are still on the road today. That’s a heck of a statistic! Tom Simms and the folks over at Toyota of Elizabeth City will help you find and purchase the car of your dreams. You’ll enjoy the process of purchasing a vehicle from them. The Toyota family is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
- River City Cycling Club, www.rivercitycyclingclub.com -– Cycling is a fun sport! You can do it alone, or with a group. The River City Cycling Club is a local group of avid cyclists of every age level and every pace level who enjoy pedaling the local countryside routes, as well as organizing cyclists for group rides throughout the region. They gather for group rides every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. Visit their web site for more info.
- 252 Cigar Lounge, 504 East Colonial Avenue, 252-334-9611, www.252cigarlounge.blogspot.com -- Tucked away in what many local folks remember as the old pool hall, the 252 Cigar Lounge is “the most interesting place in Elizabeth City.” Yes, they still have a few pool tables if you’re interested in racking ‘em up, but it’s also a great place to gather, meet people, and learn a ton about cigars. They have a smoking and a non-smoking area, so you can enjoy the ambiance even if you’re a non-smoker. You feel the history of the place as soon as you walk in the door. Visit them on Friday evenings for a business social, with appetizers, mingling, and live music. They offer the finest premium hand-made cigars in the world.
- Coaster’s Downtown Draught House, 216 North Poindexter Street, 252-335-9463, Visit them on Facebook -- If you like beer, you are missing out if you haven’t been to Coaster’s Downtown Draught House. What a selection they have – both on tap and bottled! Every Wednesday night is Brewery Night (beginning at 4:00 pm); buy the featured beer and get a glass for Free. Shuffle down on Monday evenings for their FREE poker tournaments (7:00 pm & 9:30 pm rounds).
- Logan Raye’s Key West Grille, 606 East Colonial Avenue, 252-335-0369 -- You must, must, must check this place out! They just opened their patio dining area located in the historic and renovated alley. Inside you’ll find a truly J. Buffet-style, laid back, island atmosphere decorated in a Key West theme. A great place to dine, toast friends, listen to live music, and just hang out. Thursday night is Martini night; order a Martini and keep the glass.
- The Chocolate House, 105 South Water Street, 252-334-9986, www.thechocolatehouseinc.com –- A vintage Victorian chocolate shop located in Downtown Elizabeth City, this place is over the top delicious. If you have the will power, you can pop in to purchase just one truffle, but for most that’s impossible. They have every kind of chocolate goodie you can imagine, as well as ice cream, smoothies, a variety of fudges, lollipops, and scoopable candies. You will feel yourself turning into a kid again as you approach the entrance to the store, and will have to stop yourself from jumping up and down with excitement exclaiming, “I want one of THOSE and one of THOSE, and one of THOSE!”
- Simone Cooper Public Relations, 252-338-6389, www.simonecooper.com -– Simone Cooper moved back to Elizabeth City a few years ago from “The Big City” and immediately became actively involved in her hometown happenings. She initiated and organized the incredibly popular free Mariners Wharf Film Festival and is an amazingly talented and humble public relations and marketing master.
- City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar, 102 North Water Street, 252-335-1163, www.citywine.blogspot.com -- Cool and contemporary place in downtown Elizabeth City. THE place to go for great sandwiches and wraps and awesome entertainment on Friday nights. All of their sandwiches are made on their delicious homemade bread with Boars Head meats and cheeses. Grab an espresso or latte, lounge in their comfortable “living room” area, taste their scrumptious desserts, or sip on a glass of wine. They have over 100 retail wines to choose from!
- The Rich Company, 400 South Water Street #204, 252-338-5432, www.rich-company.com –- The premiere commercial real estate and development company in eastern North Carolina. Well-respected and professional agents and brokers, they get to know you and develop an understanding of your needs and wishes in order to serve you best.
- Elizabeth City Downtown Incorporated (ECDI), Virginia Dare Arcade, Main Street, 252-338-4104 -– A local non-profit organization whose main goal is to improve the viability of the central business district, this group is very active in Downtown Elizabeth City. Led by the newly appointed executive director, Rebecca Cross, and a Board full of intelligent and active business and community members, ECDI works hard to represent the interests of downtown business owners and promote downtown through a variety of activities and events, including the annual NC Potato Festival.
- Downtown Business & Professional Association, PO Box 201, www.experiencedowntownelizabethcity.com -– Not to be confused with ECDI, the Downtown Business & Professional Association is a member-based merchant’s association comprised of downtown retail stores, restaurants, professional offices, and non-profit agencies. The organization’s main goal is to promote the success of downtown through group advertising, events, promotions, social, and educational activities. One of their focuses this year will be their “Live Local, Shop Local” promotion, encouraging folks to support their local independent businesses. DBPA describes themselves best: “We work together to make downtown Elizabeth City the most quaint, charming and economically productive downtown it can be! We join forces, we market together, we partner with each other, we play together, we learn with and from each other, and we grow stronger and better together.” If you are a downtown business, whether retail or professional, it’s worth your while to join this very active group.
- MMT Printers, 605 East Fearing Street, 252-338-2328, www.mmtprinters.com -– Located on Fearing Street in downtown, their name doesn’t even begin to describe this local printing business. They can do most anything from large print jobs to wedding invitations and everything in between. You need a banner? Call MMT. You need a real estate sign? Ditto. Ten thousand 50-page full-color books? MMT. Five copies of a contract? You guessed it. From the largest of large jobs to the smallest of small jobs, they can help you, even with the design process. And they’re friendly, to boot.
- Gary Hobbs - Long and Foster Realty, 1100 West Ehringhaus Street, 252-335-7015, www.garyhobbs.lnfre.com -– Gary Hobbs is one of everyone’s favorite people. Smart, funny, honest, welcoming, and super-knowledgeable about the local area and real estate market, he’s a local boy who returned home to Elizabeth City after being away for a number of years. He worked for the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools before beginning his real estate career, so he has a wealth of insight and connections. Gary is very involved in the community. He’s a friend to many, and the man to go to when you are looking for a home.
- The Framery, Griffin Street Square, 406 A-2 South Griffin Street, 252-335-1803 –- Known for their high quality workmanship, the staff at The Framery can frame pretty much anything. From mirrors, to photos, to pictures, diplomas or certificates, you will be more than happy with the final product. Gene, Judy, and Whitney are creative artists who can help you choose the most perfect frame for your most perfect object. They have a super selection of frames to choose from.
- Blufish Design Studio, 252-619-1923, www.blufishstudio.com -– Tamera Philips is a master graphic artist who is known for her creative flair! She designs web sites, logos, brochures, etc. If you want to add a little zip to your site or brand, give her a call.
- Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association (ECHNA), PO Box 247, 888-936-7387, www.echna.org –- This non-profit group is tirelessly dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of Elizabeth City’s six historic districts. Much of their work is done out of the public eye and members work not for recognition, but for the intrinsic value provided by knowing that they are preserving local historical treasures. ECHNA played a major role in saving the former Chesson’s Department Store building, now home to The Center. They are responsible for the incredibly popular annual Ghost Walk, where ghosts of Elizabeth City’s past share stories and tales from days gone by.
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