Let the partying resume!

Too Much Sylvia will perform in downtown Belmont on Friday

4 events in next 3 days are filled with free music and more

The River District music scene is full to overflowing this weekend with everything from R&B and jazz guitar great James Tootie Hogan to ‘80s pop to “Acoustic Americana.” And get this – all of the performances are free! Here are the details.

Whitewater River Jam

7-10 pm Thursday – The every-Thursday party at the U.S. Whitewater Center features Red June on June 14. The Asheville band calls its style of music Acoustic Americana. River Jam offers free music and a chance to enjoy fun activities and a beautiful sunset over the Catawba with friends and family. The patio at the River's Edge Bar and Grill is the place to be. Paddle, bike, run or ride before the show and stay to enjoy the music. Parking is $5. Cost for food, beverages and most activities except the Thursday Night Bike Ride (if you bring your own bike and helmet; visit usnwc.org for details).

• CLICK for more River Jam details.

Friday Night Live  

7-10 pm Friday – Grab a chair and come to downtown Belmont for the every-other-Friday free concert and fun. The featured band this week, Too Much Sylvia, is a Charlotte institution whose pop renditions have entertained crowds for 21 years.  

• CLICK to learn more about Sylvia (scroll to the bottom of the page to watch their demo, emceed by Elvis).
• CLICK to keep up with the latest Friday Night Live news.

Juneteenth Celebration

James Tootie Hogan grew up in Mt. Holly

2-10 p.m. Saturday – Belmont’s Juneteenth celebration will take place in Stowe Park (MAP) in downtown Belmont and feature local entertainers, artifacts, a variety of vendors and a fish fry. The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. One of our region’s greatest musicians, jazz and R&B guitarist James Tootie Hogan, will lead the festivities.  
Hogan has performed with many of the top beach, pop and R&B bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s (or should we say that they appeared with HIM). He’ll perform contemporary jazz and blues starting at 6 p.m. 
Earlier in the day, drummer Kennon Knight will perform at 2 pm and organize a drum circle. This event is free and open to everyone. 

• CLICK for more Juneteenth details.

Brew Stash Bash

Starting at 1 pm Saturday – The Whitewater Center cranks up a second musical event on Saturday with its inaugural Brew Stash Bash, held on Belmont Abbey Island in the Catawba River. Sample dozens of Carolina craft beers and hear performances by the Farewell Drifters, Brown Bird and Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons. The music is, of course, free. Beer will cost $5 for four samples or one pint.

In addition to food from River’s Edge Bar & Grill, specialty nachos (Kickin’ Baja Chicken, Aloha BBQ Pork and Thai’ed Up Tofu) will be available from a festival style food station at the base of the footbridge to Belmont Abbey Island.

• CLICK for the latest list of participating breweries and other Beer Stash Bash details.