Music To My Ears

Monday morning greetings and here’s wishing you a very dry and sunny week ahead. The weatherman has totally missed the boat the last two weekends, with a flip of rain and sunshine over what was predicated. Lets hope they do a little better this week.

One of the things I so look forward to during the spring is the Friday night concert series at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment. The “Concerts on the Dock” is a very eclectic family oriented musical event that showcases exceptional talent and the best part about it is it is “free!” The concerts are held on the east dock in April and May, then disappear during the hot summer months and return in the fall. It is a great event where you can bring your chairs, blankets and coolers along with your dogs and children and enjoy an evening under the stars with live music.

For those that have never been, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment is listed as the largest center for the arts in the southeast. In addition to the music venues, the historic textile mill houses over 100 working artists, and includes small businesses and restaurants. The former cotton mill, which originally opened in 1901, covers over 171,000 square feet. In 2001 Research Genetics founder and patron of the Arts, Jim Hudson bought the mill with a vision of making it into an art venue. In 2011 the mill was added to the National Register of Historic places. In addition to hosting music events, the mill which is open daily, features weekly and monthly special events highlighting the works of the many artists that inhabit and work there. People attending the concerts are encouraged to tour the mill and visit the artists.

I have had the pleasure to attend three of the concerts so far and the bands were just incredible. From Reggae to folk to country, to hip hop and jazz there seems to be something planned for everyone. I always find it to be an exceptional evening of music and fellowship, running into friends and catching up. If you dare venture to the front of the stage you need to be aware that it is a hula-hoop and flying object zone with the kids and young at heart taking over the grassy knoll.

With one concert to go, you may just want to dust off your chairs and clean out the cooler. Of course you may just want to check out their calendar of events(www.lowemill.net) and see what great events they have planned for the summer and until the dock concerts return. Word is they have a two day “Cigar Box Guitar “ festival planned for the last weekend of May. ”ENJOY!!!