As many may know I love theatre and music! I work with many others in the area to help keep these important parts of our humanity alive. Theatre is my stage and music is my muse.

I would take music over television any day of the week. It calms me and energizes me. It sweeps me away to memories and times connected to it, and it reminds me there is always a bright spot on a cloudy day! So I wanted to tell everyone about the amazing music scene starting to take place in our little corner of the world.

Let’s start with the infamous Zakk’s Coffee House in Murfreesboro. Tonight actually there is a guest performance by the country band Fairview Union right here in the Boro. How amazing is it that we get acts bigger than the town playing right under our nose?

Zakk’s if you have never noticed, brings an amazing and eclectic mix of solo artists and bands to Hertford County. Hip Hop, Rock, Metal, Country and Alternative all go and play at Zakk’s. Some just to tune up for a bigger show, or to just hang out in a real musicians venue.

How about the Jefcoat Museum? What I describe as our “hidden treasure” has a gorgeous 650 seat auditorium with some of the most wonderful acoustics around. It is home to many memories of folks who have gone to school there, or have performed on its stage off and on over the decades. I have been honored with the task of breathing life back into the old girl and I hope you will find as much excitement in what has transpired as I do!

The first concert coming to the Jefcoat is this August 20th, when local promoter and friend to many Eddie Hall brings one of his staple shows to the Jefcoat. The Will McBride Group style is a fusion of jazz, rock, funk, and pop that “satisfies your cool side…and moves your backside”. After that on August 27th at the Jefcoat, your very own “What’s Happening North Carolina” and “99.3 The Bull” present an evening of Southern Rock and Comedy Mayhem when the local grown Southern Rock Band 7100 will perform their soulful smooth rock originals! Opening for 7100 is your own local “Damn Yankee” Tim Flanagan who will be shaking off the rust and taking the comedic stage once again for your entertainment. This a show not to miss!

Then there is a scattered mix bag of awesome music happening all over the place. Franklin Virginia, right in our back yard, offers live music with their “We be Jammin” every Thursday night up until September 17th in the open air forum at beautiful Barrett’s Landing on the Black Water River. Unknown music venues such 51 Sycamore and the Woodland Lounge also offer local showcase bands such as the extremely talented Unbroken who have the ability to knock out any genre of classic hits. The Moonshine Band and Countersuit are just two of many local bands that can easily rock your Saturday night.

Throw in four other concerts coming to the Jefcoat such Blue Magic and the in the works Temptations concert, add in the rumor 99.3 The Bull is bring Confederated Railroad with Joe Lasher Jr. to the Boro and you have the makings of one heck of a music scene!

Maybe musical theatre is your thing! Coming off two successful seasons with SPAMALOT and Rock of Ages, the Gallery theatre is treating us to a rare Halloween season opener with the musical Bat Boy! If you do not know Bat Boy, look it up online. This is going to be an awesome show from your favorite troupe at the Gallery Theatre!

In a nutshell, make sure you support this new energy coming to out towns. Buy some tickets and get your dancing shoes on!

 

Tim Flanagan and his wife, Teresa, own and operate The Flanagan House Bed and Breakfast in Murfreesboro.