HAMLET — Jonathan Robinson returns to his hometown Friday night to perform in the August installment of the Boxcar Concert Series.
The Jonathan Robinson Band is scheduled to take the stage at Main Street Park from 6-8 p.m. Friday, performing “mostly originals,” as well as a few blues-rock covers from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers Band.
A Richmond County native, Robinson spent several years as a guitarslinger in Nashville before moving back about a decade ago and starting a solo career.
He released his first four-track EP, “As Long As I’m Alive,” in 2018. His latest release, “Home,” was released about a month ago and features the title track, as well as “Damned If I Don’t,” and “Woke Up in Carolina.” That album was recorded in Atlanta and produced by soul artist Eddie 9V. It is currently available on Spotify.
Robinson has also released a few singles within the past eight years.
During that time, he has become a staple in the Sandhills, playing gigs in Moore and Richmond counties, with a few trips to Wilmington and other locations.
When he’s not on stage, Robinson works at Casino Guitars in Southern Pines.
Robinson is the only act to perform in Hamlet’s Boxcar Concert Series since its inception in 2022.
His backing band for this performance will include his boss, Baxter Clement, on bass, Hamlet native Roland J. Beckerman (John Martin) on drums, and Patrick Fuller on keys.
The free Boxcar Concert Series started on Sunday afternoons in 2022, but was switched to Friday evenings to coincide with TGIFridays on Main, with several food trucks set up near the Depot.
The food truck lineup for this week is: Mama Blair’s; Max’s Millstone BBQ; Burger Bros; House of Fish; and Puckered Up Lemonade. Weather permitting, food trucks will be on site from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Community Engagement Director Mechelle Preslar said the show will go on, rain or shine.
The series started in April and has seen performances this year by a variety of local and regional bands — The Low Down Dirty Heathens, Vagabond, Beach Fever and Good Company. (See photos at the RO’s Facebook page.)
Rockingham native Erik Hawks was scheduled to perform Sept. 25, but had to cancel. That date will now be filled by River Ridge Bluegrass Band.
Rockabilly band The Radio is slated to close out the season in October, the night before the Seaboard Festival.
The concerts are held the fourth Friday of each month, April-October, and are free and open to the public.
