One local band has a double-header this weekend, with back-to-back performances.
Vagabond will be playing Friday evening in Hamlet’s Boxcar Concert Series and again Saturday at the Rockingham VFW for the annual Rockin’ for Veterans concert.
The band — comprising guitarist/vocalist John Baker, bassist/vocalist Patrick Razon, drummer Anakin White and guitarist Logan Watts —was scheduled to play the Boxcar series in 2024, but the show was canceled due to Hurricane Helene.
Although the forecast for this weekend calls for wet weather, Community Engagement Director Mechelle Preslar said the show will go on, rain or shine.
In case of rain, Preslar said the band will be moved from the stage at Main Street Park to the large picnic shelter.
Vagabond’s set list includes a variety of covers over several decades of rock music, ranging from Jackson Brown and Steely Dan to Green Day and the Foo Fighters.
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 Friday is: Mama Blair’s; Max’s Millstone BBQ; Simon’s Kitchen; Minis on the Go; and Kandy Shak.
Food trucks will serve from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and the band will play from 6-8 p.m.
This season opened with Good Company in April, followed by the River Ridge Bluegrass Band in May. June’s show was canceled, but the series saw performances from The Radio in July and the Jonathan Robinson Band in August.
Erik Hawks and the Hard Luck Band will close out the series Oct. 24, the night before the Seaboard Festival.
Admission to all Boxcar shows is free.
(NOTE: See the RO’s Facebook page for photos from all previous Boxcar concerts.)
Aftermath opens Rock Around and Find Out at Rockingham Dragway in 2024.
RO file photo
As for Rockin’ for Veterans, Vagabond will share the stage with the Ducky Medlock Band — which also includes Rockingham native Charles Trotter on lead guitar and Alan Lansburg on drums — and headlining act Aftermath.
Three members of Vagabond have previously performed the benefit show with other bands: Baker with The Way She Goes; Razon with The Safety Committee; and White, Baker and Razon with The Ponder Project.
Aftermath — featuring vocalist Franklin Branch, guitarist Matt Davis, drummer Jerry Davis and bassist Brian Carter — headlined the show in 2022.
Rockin’ for Veterans was started by VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary in 2016 as a fundraiser to send care packages to local military personnel serving overseas. The concert has been held every year since, except for 2020 and 2023.
Admission is a $10 donation at the door.
OTHER BANDS PLAYING
Hudson Brothers Deli celebrates its 45th anniversary on Friday with the Beach Fever Band playing from 8-11 p.m. That band includes members from Richmond and Scotland counties.
The acoustic duo of Eric Whitfield and Chuck Smith will also be performing Friday at Striker’s Lounge starting at 8 p.m. The two have been playing music together for more than 20 years.
There is no cover charge for either show.
