Sails Original Music Series continues with Eddie 9V

The City of Hickory's 2023 Sails Original Music Series continues this week with multi-instrumentalist and bluesman Eddie 9V. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at Union Square in downtown Hickory.

“Expect a blues party showcasing this exuberant singer and guitarist,” said Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair.

All his life, Eddie 9V (9-Volt) has acted on instinct. At age 15, this old-soul artist turned away from the path of college and jobs to burst all guns blazing onto the roots and blues club circuit of his native Atlanta, Georgia. 

Born Brooks Mason in June 1996, he acquired his first guitar at age six and later ignored the prevailing pop scene at Union Grove High School in favor of local heroes like Sean Costello. He studied "older cats" like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Freddie King, and Rory Gallagher "to see what made them groove and tick." His shoot-from-the-lip lyrics come from family fish fries, where his Uncle Brian taught him how to make people laugh and hold an audience's attention.

When Eddie infiltrated his home state's live circuit – first with covers band The Smokin' Frogs, then its more adept blues-rock offshoot, The Georgia Flood – he quickly pricked up ears everywhere he played. His artistic vision became fully realized when he discarded his given name and adopted the solo moniker that promises an electrifying night out, Eddie 9-Volt. 

"There are too many Joe Schmo R&B bands," the artist reasoned. "I was on the road with another band, and we were talking like mobsters. So, we gave each other names – mine was Eddie."   

Eddie 9V has made a name for himself in the southern blues scene in the south, wowing all types of audiences with his searing Freddie King-style approach to guitar and his original retro/soul songs. An "old soul" despite his young age, Eddie makes his home in the swamps of Georgia and has played clubs and festivals throughout the region. 

The Sails Original Music Series offers excellent musical entertainment from all over the United States with the help of numerous sponsors: Atriax, Neill Construction Company, Protection Products, Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza.

In addition to the seating available at Union Square, audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. A variety of close-by bars and restaurants offer food and beverages. 

ABC permitted businesses within the Hickory Downtown Social District will sell beer and wine in special marked cups that may be consumed on Union Square, sidewalks, and other public areas within the designated boundaries of the social district. No outside alcohol may be brought into the social district. To review additional restrictions and a detailed map of the social district’s coverage area, visit www.hickorync.gov/downtown-social-district.

For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming bands, please visit www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic and follow the Sails Original Music Series Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.