Local music lovers have reason to rejoice as the 16th annual Art of Sound Music Festival returns to uptown Shelby Sept. 21-22, 2018. Featuring 20+ local musical groups in a variety of both indoor and outdoor venues, this free event aims to provide something for all kinds of music enthusiasts.
"The Art of Sound supports local and regional musicians and is like a gift to the community from the Arts Council," says Shearra Miller, president of the Cleveland County Arts Council. "Participants will have the opportunity to hear a variety of music with lots of fun throughout the day and into the evening."
The festival will begin on Friday evening at 7 p.m. as the Frank Love Orchestra takes the stage outside on Washington Street in front of the Arts Council.
"The Frank Love Orchestra will be playing hits from the big band era, featuring classics from composers such as Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller," says Miller. "We hope folks will bring a chair or a blanket and come dance under the stars with us!"
Saturday morning will be filled with the sounds of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Ensemble and Kale Ministries as they start the day on the outdoor stage on Washington Street. This will be followed by performances by student choirs and bands, including Kings Revue from Kings Mountain High, the Crest Middle School Chorus, The Lion Experience and Chamber choir from Shelby High, Tonal Spectrum from Crest High and the Pinnacle Classical Academy Symphonic Band.
One new component of this year's festival will be the addition of Buffalo Creek Gallery's Arts on the Square (AOTS), which had previously been held in the spring. This year AOTS will be held in conjunction with the Art of Sound on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
"Music and art will abound on the court square in Shelby, as Arts on the Square will add regional art and fine craft vendors to the already amazing atmosphere of Art of Sound," says Miller.
Lawn games, food vendors and face painting will also take place throughout the day on the courthouse lawn, and music will continue on the outdoor stage with performances by Pistol Hill, the Jeff Gates Band and The Dancing Fleas.
At 2 p.m. a poetry reading will be held starting inside the Arts Council building.
"Any and all poets are encouraged to attend and to present their original poetry," says Miller. To participate, contact the Arts Council by calling 704-484-2787.
Music will also be available throughout the day inside several businesses and restaurants in uptown Shelby. Dragonfly Wine Market, 101 W. Warren St., will host Paloma Dettlof, Blues Dream, The Calvin Edwards Trio, Gypsy Swing:30, Butterbeans and Kevin Scanlon. Newgrass Brewing Company's (213 S. Lafayette St.) stage will feature Yesterday, Paloma, The Resonant Rogues, Roadside Alice, Pam Taylor and Wiregrass. Greenbrook Design, 112 North Lafayette St., will host Caleb Lail, Gypsy Appalachia Caravan and Blues Dream.
Coming Up Brass, a 10-member variety and party band, will provide the festival finale on the stage in front of the Arts Council beginning at 7 p.m.
"The Art of Sound has something for everyone, a wide variety of musical genres, family entertainment, food, friends and lots of music!," says Miller. "All of the performances are free and folks are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics and spend the day in uptown Shelby."
For more information including performance times, visit www.ccartscouncil.org, search for "Cleveland County Arts Council" on Facebook or call 704-484-2787.

By April Hoyle-Shauf

Special to Community First Media