ROCKINGHAM — Independent country singer Anna J will hit the stage first at Harrington Square on April 2.
Organizers announced Thursday afternoon that the Maryland native will be the opening act ahead of the Eli Young Band for ThunderFest — the official kickoff for the two-day, triple-race NASCAR weekend at Rockingham Speedway.
According to her bio, Anna J studied songwriting at Nashville’s Belmont University and was mentored by Marcus Hummon, co-writer of The Chicks’ 1999 song “Cowboy Take Me Away” and “Bless the Broken Road” performed by Rascal Flatts.
Anna J has reportedly split time between Nashville and Charlotte, performing and recording with three No. 1 singles on the aBreak Music platform: “Nobody with Nobody,” “In Your Heart,” and “If You Don’t Like Country (Then You Don’t Like Me).”
In addition to gigs at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, she has also performed the past two years at the Randy Travis Music Festival in nearby Marshville.
“I am so excited!!” she commented on the announcement post on the Visit Richmond County Facebook page. “It’s going to be so much fun! Can’t wait.”
Organizers announced earlier this week that the Eli Young Band, which has been recording since 2002, would be the opening act.
ThunderFest, scheduled for 4-9 p.m. April 2 in downtown Rockingham’s Harrington Square, is organized by the city and the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority.
In addition to the music and a meet-and-greet with NASCAR drivers, the event will also include food and merchandise vendors, a beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway and free Kids Zone.
The racing action begins Friday, April 3 with the Black’s Tire 200 in the Craftsman Truck Series. The next day, Saturday, April 4, will include a 125-lap race in the ARCA Menards Series East, followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series N.C. Education Lottery 250.
Tickets for the race weekend are available at racetherock.com and Rockingham City Hall.
