Home Lifestyle Rockingham welcomes back Chocolate Chip & Co. to Plaza Jam

Rockingham welcomes back Chocolate Chip & Co. to Plaza Jam

Tony "Chocolate Chip" Howard, left, and Chris Smith perform at Cole Plaza in May 2022. RO file photo

ROCKINGHAM — Organizers are hoping the rain holds off Thursday evening for the second installment of the 2023 season of the Plaza Jam summer concert series featuring Chocolate Chip & Company.

This will be the band’s second performance in Rockingham, having opened the 2022 season at Cole Plaza.

“We’re super excited to have Chocolate Chip & Company back at Plaza Jam,” said city Events Coordinator Kim Williams.

The band, fronted by Tony Howard, who goes by Chocolate Chip, will be performing a variety of rhythm and blues, rock, beach, soul, hip hop and reggae starting at 6:30 p.m.

According to the band’s website, Howard started playing drums at 6 years old and has been entertaining crowds since the ‘70s.

But instead of being stuck behind a kit, Howard has the freedom to move around with a small, triangle-shaped electric drum kit strapped across his chest and a headset mic.

Other members of the Myrtle Beach-based band include guitarist Chris Smith, bassist Dylan Parker, and Chip’s daughter, Monique Howard.

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The band has been touring throughout the Carolinas, playing three to four consecutive shows with a break of a day or two in between. After playing in Rockingham, Chocolate Chip and Company has shows in Morehead City and New Bern before heading back to Myrtle Beach.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20% chance of showers on Thursday.

“Bring your chairs or blankets and get ready for a fun night,” Williams said.

Other bands scheduled to perform this year are The Entertainers in July, North Tower Band in August, the Tams in September and Band of Oz in October.

Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot kicked off this year’s season in May.

Click here to see photos from that concert.

All concerts are free and open to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.



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