The Outer Banks is quietly becoming the home of blues music. Blues, brews, & the beach, the perfect combination!
Last summer we announced our sponsorship of a great Bluez & Brewz Fest held in August, and last week we announced our sponsorship of a Memorial Day blues fest in Corrolla, but the longest running blues jam on the Outer Banks is the Freedman’s Colony Blues Jam, held at Roanoke Island Festival Park, that is in its 7th year in 2011!
7th Annual Freedmen’s Colony Blues Jam
March 25 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Indoor Theatre
The Crowd from Dare County and Big Ron Hunter from, Winston- Salem, NC, will be featured.
The event is sponsored by the Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony Association. Beginning February 21, tickets can be purchased for $15 at Manteo Booksellers, the Music Store in Kill Devil Hills and HHR Music in Nags Head.
Is the Outer Banks quietly becoming a blues mecca? We still need a dedicated blues bar, or at least some blues themed nights, but the OBX is starting to draw a serious blues crowd.
In August, we were the proud sponsors of the 3rd annual Bluez & Brewz festival, and a second blues fest was recently announced for Memorial Day weekend 2011. New acts and new location…same promoter, same great blues music and great beers.
It is called the Marsh Grass Music Festival, and it is being held on the lawn of the Whalehead Club in Corolla. This is a perfect spot for an outdoor music festival; huge lawn overlooking the sound with perfect sunsets. We are proud to be a sponsor of this event, and hope to see much more blues on the OBX.
I’ve been trying to teach myself blues harmonica for a few years, relatively unsuccessfully I might add, and over that time, I’ve stumbled across Jason Ricci numerous times. He is an amazing blues harp player, and well worth the price of admission on his own. I can’t wait to see this amazing show.
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer…especially considering the OBX is going to get hit with snow tonight!
The town of Duck, NC puts together an awesome schedule of free, fun, and family-friendly events every summer, and 2011 is no exception. Music, magic, story-telling…there’s something for everyone and it’s all freelicious!
Here’s the 2011 highlights:
ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY DAY PARADE – JULY 4, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.
Duck’s seventh annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand & Friends, refreshments, and the awarding of parade trophies. The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane going eastward, continues down Ocean Way, and then turns onto Christopher Drive. No part of the parade is on Duck Road (SR 12). Please plan to come early to get the best parade viewing spot. For more information or to register an entry for the parade, visit www.townofduck.com/4thofjuly.htm.
SPECIAL SATURDAY CONCERT WITH THE LANGLEY WINDS
The United States Air Force Heritage of America’s Langley Winds Woodwind Quintet will be in Duck for a special free performance on Saturday, June 11, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Amphitheater. This is the band’s second appearance in Duck and we are thrilled to have them back on our stage. For over 10 years, The Langley Winds have been inspiring audiences with a musical repertoire which includes a wide variety of popular, patriotic, and chamber music selections. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this very special concert.
“DUCK UNPLUGGED” SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES – TUESDAY EVENINGS
New to the schedule for 2011 is “Duck Unplugged”, our four-week long singer/songwriter series. The concerts will be on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through July 26, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m., and will be held in the Town Amphitheater. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Tuesday, July 26 – Coyote: Marcy Brenner & Lou Castro
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES – THURSDAY EVENINGS
This popular evening concert series returns for its fifth season. For eight weeks, local musical groups will take the stage at the Duck Town Park Gazebo. The concerts begin at 6:00 p.m., and are on Thursday evenings from June 23, 2011 through August 11, 2011. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Thursday, June 23 – The Rajun Cajuns (New Orleans Style Dance/Rock)
Thursday, June 30 – Aquarium (Jam Rock & Blues)
Thursday, July 7 – The Fuzz Band (Jazz, Funk, Blues, Hip Hop)
Thursday, August 11 – The Little Kings (Dance Rock & Soul)
MORNING THEATER AND MUSIC SERIES – TUESDAY MORNINGS
The cast from The Lost Colony Musical Theater will be in Duck on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through August 9, 2011 presenting a musical song and dance preview of The Lost Colony production. All shows are at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the Duck Amphitheater. Each week will be a little different so plan to join us for one, or all, of the shows!
FAMILY MAGIC SHOW – WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Witness incredible illusions, mind-bending magic, comedy, and audience participation the entire family will love — live on stage! OBXtreme Magic features some of the most incredible magic and illusions performed by world-renowned illusionists Clive Allen & Tracy.
This six-week long series of shows will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Town Amphitheater on Wednesdays from July 6, 2011 through August 10, 2011, and is underwritten by Kellogg’s Supply and The Cottage Shop.
Although this event is free, tickets will be required for entry as the event is fully underwritten and seating in the amphitheater is limited. All attendees (of any age) must possess a ticket to gain entry to the performance.
Tickets will be available beginning the Monday the week of the show at Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop, 1201 Duck Road (directly across from the Town Park). There is a six ticket maximum for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the Town Office or at the Town Park.
Please remember, that ticket holders will be granted entrance to the amphitheater first; and then non-ticket holders will be granted entrance, if space allows, on a first-come, first serve basis. Non-ticket holders are NOT guaranteed entry to this event so please take the time and visit Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop to pick up your tickets early in the week of the show that you want to attend as these tickets are in high demand.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME – THURSDAY MORNINGS
Bring the children for story time sponsored by Duck’s two book stores: Duck’s Cottage and Island Book Store. Story time will be held in the Duck Amphitheater at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays beginning July 7, 2011 and continuing through Thursday, August 11, 2011. Story time is geared to children between the ages of 3 and 7.
5TH ANNUAL DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Fifth Annual Duck Jazz Festival will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2011 beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the Duck Town Green. Artists for the 2011 show will be announced soon. Plan to join us for this popular event! For more information, please visit duckjazz.com.
All of the events, except for the parade, will take place at the Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road, Duck, North Carolina. Please remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair for events being held on the Town Green. Beach umbrellas or tents are NOT permitted within the Town Park. All events will be held outside. In the case of inclement weather or site or performer unavailability, an activity may be cancelled or rescheduled.
For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit townofduck.com, call the Town’s Events hotline at (252) 255-1286, become a fan of the “Town of Duck” on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at “DuckPR.” Updates, changes, and cancellations will be posted on the Town’s website and at the park.
I’m not sure how this snuck up on us so quickly, but guess what? It’s the holiday season! Thanksgiving is long gone, and Christmas is fast approaching. See ya later 2010!
Seems like a good time to run through some of the holiday fun that can be found on the Outer Banks.
While the OBX is best known for beaches and summer fun, there’s plenty to offer during the holiday season as well.
We’ll start with a few of my fav’s that tend to fly under the radar.
1. The holiday boat parade in Colington Harbor. This one is definitely under the radar. I think there were a total of 10 people there last year…including the 6 with me, but it’s a blast. There’s something special about watching a sailboat with Christmas lights. Colington is tucked away on the West side of Kill Devil Hills…take a right at the Monument and head straight until you hit the guard gate, welcome to Colington Harbor. I can’t find the date for this year, but you may be able to get more info on this site.
2. Kites with Lights at Jockey’s Ridge, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites. Darn! I just realized we missed this one. I guess they moved it to Thanksgiving weekend this year. Shoot, but I’m including it here anyway so we can all be reminded to mark our calendars for next year…plus, I like this video. Kites and lights are a great combo! :)
3. Ahhhh…last but definitely not least, my fav; the famed Outer Banks Christmas House. The Paulos family has gone all out with Christmas decorations for years, and they invite young and old to take in the spectacle.
The house/light display was voted number one in America in 2005 on the Today Show, and it’s been featured on HGTV! Who knew?! Local celebs right here on the OBX!
Feel free to park your car and wander around the yard to get the full effect and boost your holiday spirit. A night viewing is optimal to get the full effect of the lights.
The time and effort this family puts into their decorations is astounding.
Here’s their FaceBook page if you want some more info or want share your love of their efforts.
Directions: The house is located in Kill Devil Hills near the Nags Head Woods entrance
Heading South on Rt. 158 into Kill Devil Hills
1. Proceed to light at Ocean Acres Dr. (opposite MacDonald’s)
2. Turn right at Ocean Acres Dr.
3. The road will change from paved to gravel as you go up a hill. Just over the top of the hill you will find the Poulos home.
And for some of the more traditional (and “on the beaten path”) options…
December 3 First Friday
Downtown Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival. The sidewalks pulse with live music, magic, artisans, period-dressed actors, a rock climbing wall and much more.firstfriday-roanokeisland.com
December 3 Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come visit with Santa! Free. (252) 475-1750 or roanokeisland.com
December 3 – 4 Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 3rd at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 4th at 11 a.m. in downtown Manteo.manteo.govoffice.com
December 4 The Jazz before Christmas
Comfort Inn North Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills. Mix, mingle and celebrate the holidays with jazz! A Semi-Formal Affair Hosted by Gwendolyn Meekins. Performance by Chante Moore. Live Jazz Band. Catering by Basnight’s Lone Cedar. Heavy hors d’oeuvres. One specialty beverage. Full cash bar. Admission: Advance Purchase – $50, Door – $65. For additional information, call: 252-573-1014 or email: GM.Events@live.com. Ticket and Semi-Formal Attire Required for Admission. Please be responsible, DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! Hotel Rooms are available at a discounted rate. $55.00 plus tax (Regular), $70.00 plus tax (Oceanfront). For hotel reservations, call 252-441-6333 and reference “The Jazz before Christmas”.
December 3 – 31 Holiday Show
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, Manteo. Over 500 works of art to fit every budget, including original paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, mixed media and wood. darearts.org
December 4 Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes
Manteo Preservation Trust Holiday Tour of Homes 2 pm til 7 pm. 10-12 houses/Inns. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased the day of the tour at the Dare County Courthouse (located in downtown Manteo) which is also the first stop on the tour. For more information contact Grizelle Fearing at 252-473-7336.
December 4 RIFP Performance Series Christmas at the Park with Elizabeth City State University
7 p.m. Indoor Theatre The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500, roanokeisland.com December 8 Grand Illumination
Join The Elizabethan Gardens as we kick off ten nights of lights and floral displays at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina. This kick-off event will feature holiday foods and festive drink in the Embellished Hall. Also featured are fire pits on the Great Lawn, where guests can roast marshmallows, drink hot cocoa and be entertained by Dockside Theatre Company and others. On this evening enjoy The Gardens’ Gift Shoppe and plant sales, offering 10% off all merchandise. Friends’ receive an additional 10% off. For the occasion, a special holiday promotion is planned featuring many gifts under $15.00 ~ pre-wrapped and ready to give for Christmas. Garden plant sales will feature winter annuals; ornamental vegetables; forced bulbs; rosemary Christmas Trees; and conifers with bows. Tickets for Illuminations for Non-Members are $14 for adults; $9 for youth (ages 6-17); $6 for children (5 and under). Tickets for Friends’ are $10 for adults; $7 for youth (ages 6-17); $4 for children (5 and under). Groups of 20 or more receive $1.00 off each ticket. Please call The Elizabethan Gardens at 252-473-3234 for more information or visitelizabethangardens.org
December 11 Christmas Past at Island Farm
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. In celebration of Christmas Past at Island Farm, bring your family to learn how Roanoke Island families celebrated Christmas a century and a half ago. Many of the holiday traditions we enjoy today began in the 19th century. A special event at Island Farm on Roanoke Island will bring them to life, 1850s style.
When Adam Etheridge and his family lived on the farm on the island’s North End, there was no electricity. Candles were placed on a freshly cut tree, and their glow made the season bright. The men celebrated by shooting off muskets. Children sang carols and ate cookies while their elders sipped hot mulled wine. It was a time for all families, black and white, to gather with their relatives and to enjoy time away from work. On Dec. 11, Island Farm will host visitors on a guided candlelight tour representing an 1850s Southern Christmas. Gather around a bonfire while muskets are fired to ring in the season. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot wassail, and learn how Christmas traditions began.
The farmhouse will be decorated for the holidays, with flickering wax candles illuminating the Christmas tree. Carolers will sing Yuletide favorites. And costumed interpreters will present vignettes of island life, including the perspective of those who were enslaved.
“Christmas Past at Island Farm is designed to be fun, festive, and educational,” said Jonathan Failor, farm manager. “Why do we decorate trees at Christmas and hang garland on the mantel? How did the tradition of feasting begin? We hope families will make this event a tradition in the years to come.” Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased on the day of the event. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free. Admission is paid at the door, beginning at 5 pm on the day of the event, Saturday, Dec. 11. The farm will close at 8 pm. Island Farm is open weekdays through Nov. 30 for the 2010 season. The Christmas Past celebration is the last event of the year; look for more special events in the spring. For more information, contact Island Farm, 252-473-6500, email:islandfarm252@gmail.com, or visit the website, theislandfarm.com
The 8th Annual Outer Banks International Wine Festival Sat. and Sun. October 16th and 17th, 2010 12-5 pm at Native Vine in Point Harbor
To benefit the Currituck Animal Shelter
Come Taste more than 50+ wines and beers from around the world! The festival will take place outside under tents, trees and whatever other space we can find!! There will also be local artists selling their work, local restaurants selling food and of course lots of great music to taste and dance to!
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of.
Tickets are available at Native Vine Nags Head, Native Vine Point Harbor, Chilli Peppers or by calling 252-491-5311.
The 4th Annual Duck Jazz Festival, headlined by San Francisco-based jazz guitarist and vocalist Joyce Cooling and co-hosted by Philadelphia-based jazz musician Gerald Veasley, will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road. The Festival will be begin at 11:00 a.m. and is free to the public.
The current schedule of performances is as follows:
11:00 a.m. The Roy Muth Big Band featuring Laura Martier
12:30 p.m. Big Rick and the Bombers
2:00 p.m. Adrian Crutchfield
3:45 p.m. Joyce Cooling
Please be advised that this schedule is subject to change due to weather and performer requirements. For the latest schedule, please visit our website at www.duckjazz.com.
About the performers
Joyce Cooling- Best-known for her eclectic style and colorful body-moving sound, Cooling is funky, soulful, and always original, and is recognized as one of the most dynamic and popular contemporary jazz guitarists in the world. Cooling has recorded seven albums – five of which charted on the Billboard music charts. She has to her credit two number one radio singles, six top 10’s, and 13 charting singles in all. Cooling has garnered multiple music awards, including the “Gibson Best Jazz Guitarist of the Year” and “Best New Talent” in the Jazziz Reader’s Poll. She was a nominee for the California Music Awards, the Oasis Awards, and the Gavin Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year.
Adrian Crutchfield- Adrian Crutchfield is mostly known for his neo-soul sound. His timbre creates music in a variety of genres including jazz, funk, Latin, and rock. Crutchfield, a saxophone aficionado who’s been playing since he was four years old, recently released his debut C.D., “Private Party,” that highlights his diverse musical interests and talents by featuring his sophisticated sax on jazz, neo-soul, and hip hop tracks. Crutchfield has performed with many internationally known artists, including the 2009 Duck Jazz Festival’s Headliner Kim Waters.
Big Rick and the Bombers- Big Rick and The Bombers have been wowing audiences all over the country since 1994 with their unique style and approach to the classics. They have had the opportunity to perform at festivals across the United States, as well as private parties for various celebrities. This fun band has a diverse repertoire of songs, playing music from the past and present which includes a little something for the young and for the young at heart from jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and blues.
The Roy Muth Big Band- The Roy Muth Big Band, a swing jazz band, plays traditional big, band orchestra-style music. For the 2010 Duck Jazz Festival Outer Banks own, Laura Martier, will lend her elegant vocals to the performance.
Jazz Musician Gerald Veasley to Guest Co-Host the 4th Annual Duck Jazz Festival
Philadelphia-based Jazz musician Gerald Veasley is set to co-host the 4th Annual Duck Jazz Festival on Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Duck Town Park.
The critically-acclaimed Jazz bassist, who was also the Festival’s 2008 Headliner, will return this year to co-host the Festival, as well as host an eventful pre-festival weekend of music and fun beginning on Friday, October 8, 2010 and culminating in the main event The 4th Annual Duck Jazz Festival.
Veasley comes to the Duck Town Park Stage with an impressive résumé, having recorded with the late Grover Washington, Jr.; Teddy Pendergrass; Dianne Reeves; and Earth, Wind, and Fire vocalist Philip Bailey, to name a few. He has also shared stages with Jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
As an educator of music, Veasley’s motto is “to inform and inspire.” He believes information and inspiration are indispensable ingredients to music education. Aside from workshops and master classes, Veasley has taught classes at the University level. He has been artist in residence at the Artist-Teachers institute of Stockton State College; guest lecturer at Dartmouth; instructor at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts; and video instructor on “Solo Bass Techniques” released by CCP Baldwin. He also offers and instructs his own “Bass Boot Camp”.
Veasley currently has eight CD’s to his credit. His 2008 hit Your Move reached #12 on the U.S. Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and was called “instantly infectious and stylistically versatile” by Jazziz Magazine. He has been voted “Best Electric Bassist” by Jazziz Magazine and recognized in both Downbeat Magazine’s Critic’s and Reader’s Polls.
Music:
To Be Announced – find out when we get there I guess. :)
Art:
Dare County Arts Council Gallery, reception 6-8 p.m.; painting demo by local artist Catherine Hamil at Washed Ashore in the Phoenix Shops
Activities:
Historic Inn Crawl, 4-6 p.m. (a self-guided tour); wine tasting from local Scuppernong vineyard at the Full Moon Cafe with local artist E.M. Corsa in attendance to sign her wine label designs; roving caricature artist (drawings for a fee); Magic Mike’s sleight of hand and balloon sculptures; Kitty Hawk Kite’s rockclimbing wall; yarn spinning demo at Kimbeeba Yarns; belly dancers, yoga and pilates demos, mini-massages around the downtown; aquatic arts and crafts with the Outer Banks YMCA; costumed interpreters from The Lost Colony, North Carolina Aquarium and Festival Park; free essential oil samples and discounts at Theraroma in the Phoenix Shops; 10% discount at Stock-Aide General Store
Description: A day of peace, music and awareness for the OBX. An attempt at raising money for the National Wildlife Federation in their efforts on cleaning up the oil spill. There will be great music and food all day and a raffle with some pretty cool prizes.
Save Our Seas - Outer Banks
The Outer Banks Brewing Station is a great venue, and the event is free, family friendly and open to the public.
Local artists will be performing, including: Dazzl, Rich Bungrad, Rick Agudelo, Ty Felming, Rubber Pants, Soulone, Christian Benedi, and Frozen Head & the Squirrels.
At 9:30 PM the festivities move inside for headliners, Mojo Collins and Triple Vision.
The Dare County Tourism Board is proud to partner with The Roanoke Island Commission to present the North Carolina Symphony for the 9th Annual Summer Pops Concert at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo on Sunday, June 20, 2010.
Once again, this event is free to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. Bring a picnic basket and portable chairs or blankets to enjoy a fantastic program under the stars that will include “Mardi Gras” from Ferde Grofe’s Mississippi Suite and “Wedding March” from Felix Mendelsson’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Also highlighting the performance will be the Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor by Otto Nicolai, including a selection from Verdi’s Aida.
As host venue, Roanoke Island Festival Park offers a premium acoustic and visual concert experience at their state-of-the-art Outdoor Pavilion. Bring a picnic and chairs or blankets and prepare for an incredible display on stage with the beautiful Roanoke Sound providing gorgeous backdrop.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with a pre-show starting at 7:00 p.m. featuring the Outer Banks Chorus directed by David Evans. Their program will include “The Way You Look Tonight,” “High Flight” and “All the Things You Are,” among others. The North Carolina Symphony will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. The new inclement weather location will be at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Go online at www.OuterBanks.org for important weather updates the day of the performance, June 20, 2010
When Adam Etheridge and his family lived on the farm on the island’s North End, there was no electricity. Candles were placed on a freshly cut tree, and their glow made the season bright. The men celebrated by shooting off muskets. Children sang carols and ate cookies while their elders sipped hot mulled wine. It was a time for all families, black and white, to gather with their relatives and to enjoy time away from work. On Dec. 11, Island Farm will host visitors on a guided candlelight tour representing an 1850s Southern Christmas. Gather around a bonfire while muskets are fired to ring in the season. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot wassail, and learn how Christmas traditions began.
