ELLERBE — A local bluegrass band will be pickin’ and grinnin’ during a free concert Thursday, kicking off a weekend of live music across Richmond County.
The Axe Handlers will perform at Picking in the Park from 6-8 p.m. at the park by the stoplight at the corner of Page and Main streets.
“Bring your lawn chairs, bring your dancing shoes and bring your appetite,” guitarist Luke Vuncannon said in a promotional video, adding that there will be food trucks on site.
If the event draws a good crowd, Vuncannon said Picking in the Park may turn into a series with different bands and varieties of music.
Also on Thursday, Norton Farms will host its first of two performances this week with Richmond County native Kyle Garris performing from 6:30-8:30.
Several food trucks — Fatman’s Kitchen, Tacos Mr. Pancho, Gely’s Churros & Snacks, Burger Bros, Puckered Up Lemonade and Britton’s BBQ and Grill — will be on site from 3-9 p.m.
Clark Bennett will perform on Friday, with a few food trucks switched out. However, Norton’s will not have food trucks and entertainment on Saturday due to Dancing with the Stars.
There will be additional live music Friday with Vagabond at Hudson Brothers Deli in Rockingham and the Beach Fever Band at Axe to Grind in Hamlet; and Chance Howland will be playing Saturday at Striker’s Lounge in Rockingham.
For those interested in singing their favorite songs, Bowtie Entertainment hosts karaoke Wednesdays at Striker’s Lounge and Saturdays at Axe to Grind. There is also karaoke Wednesdays at Hudson Brothers and Fridays at Double Vision.