The eighth annual Alive After Five Summer Concert Series will be kicking off next month, with the first of a lineup of four shows that will be held from May to October, actually extending into the fall.

The shows, all offered free, will include Too Much Sylvia in May and 20 Ride in June. Right after Labor Day, perennial Alive After Five participants The Band of Oz will play in September and The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, also no stranger to Clinton and Sampson, will close out the series in October.

All concerts will take place from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Clinton City Market, located on Lisbon Street.

A partnership between the Sampson Arts Council, the County of Sampson and the City of Clinton, Alive After Five is funded through the support of individuals, companies, corporations and civic organizations. There are around 100 sponsors who annually contribute to the event.

“The Alive After Five Committee is excited and proud to present the 2018 series. Since its inception, the Alive After Five Series with the support of our sponsors have able to present 38 free concerts for our community,” Alive After Five Committee member Ross Kimbro stated.

Kicking off the season on Thursday, May 10, is Too Much Sylvia, whose four lead vocalists perform a range of old-school Motown and R&B, along with a wide-variety of today’s hottest contemporary hits. Since 2014, Too Much Sylvia has received five of the coveted Cammy Awards presented by the Carolina Beach Music Association, including two for Song of the Year. The band is also no stranger to the occasion special guest, which have included ZZ Top, The Jersey Boys, Pitbull and others.

On Thursday, June 28, the Zac Brown tribute band 20 Ride will hit the stage. The band, comprised of members from upstate Carolina, is considered one of the country’s top Zac Brown tribute bands, offering such hits as “Chicken Fried,” “Colder Weather,” “Free,” “Highway 20 Ride,” and “Toes.” 20 Ride also perform traditional and modern country, to Caribbean rhythm and sultry bedroom ballads.

“After receiving requests from sponsors and concert attendees, our committee made the decision to present a concert that we are certain will provide music lovers, especially country music fans, with a totally unforgettable concert experience,” said Committee member Cody Smith. “Our committee has the strong desire to bring concerts of all types to our community and we are positive that the band 20 Ride will knock the socks off everyone that attends. If you love authentic vocals, authentic music and authentic bands, you don’t need to look any further than 20 Ride.”

On Thursday, Sept. 6, the Band of Oz will take the stage for their eighth appearance in the series.

The Band of Oz was formed in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South. In 1977 the band went on the road full time. Since that time the band has made an exceptional name for itself throughout the Southeast performing at many top clubs as well as countless corporate and private events and has received excellent reviews all along the way.

For years, the group has been a guest on nearly every major beach music festival in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia. Winners of numerous Cammy Awards from the Carolina Beach Music Association, the Band of Oz remains one of the most successful groups in the Southeast. The band consists of a dynamic eight-member group complete with a full horn section, performing their hit songs, as well as the best in beach, R&B, Motown and top 40 hits.

Closing out the season on Thursday, Oct. 4, is another beach music heavyweight — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard.

The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as “beach music” in the Carolinas and Virginia, and every beach in between. The Embers themselves consider the genre as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting memories since they were formed in 1958.

The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and all the crazes continuing to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism. Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and most recently the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.

Alive After Five Committee chairman Ray Jordan and others have regularly touted the shows as family-friendly events that provide attendees with the opportunity to catch up with neighbors and old friends. Food and beverage vendors and other exhibitors will be on hand and attendees will also have a chance to visit with local businesses that sponsor the series.

To that end, the committee is still looking for sponsors for the 2018 season. The deadline to become a sponsor is April 11.

“Sponsors are the key component that has led to the success of this series,” said Jordan. “We are confident that with the impressive lineup of bands, the 2018 series will draw concert-goers from Sampson, as well as surrounding counties, and will aid in creating a positive economic impact for our community.”

Sponsors receive tickets and parking passes to special sponsor’s receptions held during the season along with many other benefits associated with each level of support. They are recognized on signs and highlighted on a bright board digital display throughout each concert.

”The bright board provides awesome exposure for sponsors and displays a live video feed of concert action during each event,” committee member, J.W. Simmons noted.

Along with Smith, Jordan, Kimbro and Simmons, the Alive After Five Committee includes John Bradshaw, Kara Donatelli; Chris Driver, Tom Hart, Jerry Herring, David Jenkins, Darrell Jones, Lyle Moore, Mary Rose and Cynthia Roberts.

To become a sponsor contact any committee member or contact Ray Jordan via email at [email protected] or by calling 910-592-6451. For more information, visit aliveafterfiveclintonnc.com. Event attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sunscreen. No coolers or pets are allowed.

Band Of Oz
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_new-band-of-oz-1-1.jpgBand Of Oz Courtesy photo

Too Much Sylvia
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Too-Much-Sylvia.jpgToo Much Sylvia Courtesy photo

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Embers.jpgThe Embers featuring Craig Woolard Courtesy photo

20 Ride is the lone newcomer to the Alive After Five Summer Concert Series in this year’s eighth annual offering. A Zac Brown tribute band, they will hit the stage in June.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_20-Ride.jpg20 Ride is the lone newcomer to the Alive After Five Summer Concert Series in this year’s eighth annual offering. A Zac Brown tribute band, they will hit the stage in June. Courtesy photo
Series to include familiar faces, Zac Brown tribute band

By Chris Berendt

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Reach Managing Editor Chris Berendt at 910-592-8137 ext. 2587. Follow the paper on twitter @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.