ROCKINGHAM — There are two opportunities this month for Richmond County residents to take in a concert in the city’s Plaza Jam summer concert series.
Making their fourth consecutive appearance, Chocolate Chip and Company will take the stage Thursday evening at Cole Plaza in downtown Rockingham.
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 funk.
According to the band’s website, Howard started playing drums at 6 years old and has been entertaining crowds since the ‘70s.
Howard has the freedom to move around with a small, triangle-shaped electric drum kit strapped across his chest and a headset mic, instead of being stuck behind a kit.
Other members of the Myrtle Beach-based band include guitarist Chris Smith, bassist Dylan Parker, and Chip’s daughter, Monique Howard.
Last year’s funk-filled set list included “Celebration” and “Ladies Night” by Kool and the Gang, along with tunes from Barry White, Chaka Kahn and Earth Wind and Fire, in addition to several rock and country songs.
Making up for a postponed performance in June, Too Much Sylvia returns to Rockingham Aug. 21.
The award-winning beach music band was supposed to perform for the second installment of Rockingham’s summer concert series for the 2025 season. However, the threat of bad weather dampened that plan and the show was rescheduled.
In addition to original songs, like 2019’s “We Ain’t Leavin’ Carolina,” the four-piece band’s set list features other beach, R&B, country and classic rock covers and their shows often include medley tributes to Earth, Wind and Fire, the Bee Gees and ZZ Top.
The band’s 2024 performance was their first Plaza Jam appearance since 2019.
The 2025 season kicked off in May with the Entertainers, followed by The Tonez in July. The Tams, who have performed each year since the series began, return in September and the Embers will close out the season in October.
All concerts are free and open to the public and held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month from May-October. Food trucks will be set up in the parking lot of Leath Memorial Library, and smoking is prohibited on the lawn.
