SOUTHERN PINES — Two musicians native to Richmond County have been selected as nominees for a newspaper contest in Moore County.
Frankie Moree, originally of Rockingham, and Jonathan Robinson of Hamlet are both nominated in the music category for The Pilot’s “Best of the Pines” awards.
Moree, who plays all around Moore County and hosts a weekly open mic night, is nominated as both a solo artist and with his country cover band, Dark Horse. Drummer Dean Caulder is also a Rockingham native.
The Jonathan Robinson Band, named for the singer/songwriter and guitarist, is nominated in the band category. Also in his band is drummer John Martin of Hamlet and bassist Bill Caswell.
(Note: Martin is a contributor to the RO.)
“Definitely honored to have been nominated in Best of the Pines this year,” Robinson said in a Facebook post. “We don’t play in town as much as a lot of the other awesome bands nominated, so that makes it even cooler to be mentioned.”
Robinson released a four-song extended play (EP), “As Long As I’m Alive,” late last year.
Other musicians who are no strangers to stages in Richmond County also made the list.
Singer Paula Carlson, like Moree, was nominated both individually and with her group, Acoustic on the Rocks, which also features her husband Brad on percussion.
The Carlsons recently moved to Georgia, but have been returning to perform and will be playing with no cover at Hudson Brothers Deli on Friday.
Jeremy Robinson, who has performed at various venues in Richmond County with The Unsung and August Burning, was also nominated a solo performer and with the latter band.
Beach music act The Sand Band — which has played Norman Fest and more recently the Ellerbe Strawberry Festival — and Whiskey Pines are also on the list, among others.
