Sails Original Music Series
2023 Season
The City of Hickory's Sails Original Music Series returns to Downtown Hickory this spring and fall, bringing free concerts of live original music under The Sails on the Square. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Friday evenings in May, June, and September. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic or grab food from downtown establishments, purchase beer and wine from local vendors within the Hickory Downtown Social District, and enjoy a diverse lineup of bands from regional to internationally recognized musicians.
2023 Band Lineup
May 5 - The Get Right Band
Yes, they are funky, uber talented, and fun, but their lyrics have weight and meaning.
May 12 - The Foreign Landers
Unique, Transatlantic Folk and Bluegrass group.
May 19 - Leon Timbo
Combining country, vintage soul, gospel, folk, and R&B to create his debut Americana album, Lovers & Fools.
May 26 - Eddie 9V
Expect a blues party showcasing this exuberant singer and guitarist.
June 2 - Taylor Ashton
He’s a handsome Canadian crooner of his own finely crafted Americana roots songs.
June 9 - Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter
A promising young pop outfit collaborating with iconic guitarist Charlie Hunter.
June 16 - Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues
An 80-year-old, award winning bluesman playing a gas-can guitar with a killer backing band. What could be better?
Sept 1 - Mellow Swells
Mellow Swells’ music wildly unfurls into dance-ready rhythms, distorted guitars, and passionate vocals.
Sept 8 - Zoe & Cloyd
Where klezmer, bluegrass, jazz, and history come to the stage.
Sept 15 - Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
One of the Sails Original Music Series favorites, Amanda brings news songs and the same great folk-rock band back to town.
*Performance at Samuel Davis Multipurpose Field, Taft Broome Park
Sept 22 - Rissi Palmer
Grammy-nominated African American woman and the first to ever hit the Billboard charts in the history of country music.
Sept 29 - Brother Boys
Flat out fun with these guys. Originals songs, great musicianship, and terrific harmonies will bring out the old school in everyone.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Atriax, Neill Construction Company, Protection Products, Metronet, Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza
Sails Music Series Facebook Purchase Sails Music Merchandise 2023 Sails Music Poster
Band Booking Information
Thanks for your interest in having your band perform at the Sails Original Music Series. This very successful series hears from bands all over the world, and it is exciting to make our choices from this great diversity of original art. We very carefully select high quality music acts that are not routinely playing in our area. We pride ourselves on introducing our audiences to lesser-known bands versus booking local or regional favorites. We do not book cover bands. Here's what we're looking for...
- Under the radar regional, national, and international touring bands coming through our area that generally are doing well at ticketed events or catch our ears for other reasons
- R&B, Classical, Pop, Hip-Hop, Americana, Jazz, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, and more all have a place on our stages
Booking for the annual series begins the winter prior to the upcoming spring and fall seasons. Bob Sinclair coordinates the Sails Original Music Series for the City of Hickory. He is the talent buyer/producer and looks for unique bands on the rise. City staff have no part in the selection or booking of talent for the series. If your band meets the criteria above, please click the button below to contact Bob Sinclair for consideration. Be prepared to provide your EPK and links to live shows performed in the past 12 months.