Hickory – Friday, September 7, at 6:30pm, the City of Hickory’s 2018 Sails Original Music Series will continue with Big Sound Harbor.

“‘Retro soul’ might best describe this band led by Dulci Ellenberger. It’s got some old-school cool and that new school kick,” says Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair. “Expect big crowds for Big Sound Harbor.”

One of several bands fronted by singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Dulci Ellenberger, Big Sound Harbor features Kevin Williams (bass), Ross Montsinger (drums), Alyse Baca (vocals, auxiliary percussion), Stephen Murray (trumpet, keys), Matt Martin (lead guitar), Hank Widmer (trombone, clarinet), and Charlie Humphrey (trumpet, keys). Members of the band also play in Holy Ghost Tent Revival, an indie rock group that performed on the Sails Stage in 2017. “Aptly named, Big Sound Harbor produces a big sound with horns, keys, and rippin’ electric guitars,” says Alli Marshall of Mountain Xpress. “Band leader and lead singer Dulci Ellenberger adds to the mix with a voice that combines elements of Motown, Folk, and Soul.

”The show begins at 6:30pm and will run every Friday evening throughout the month of September. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Olde Hickory Brewery and Shadow Line Vineyard will sell beer and wine in designated areas, and there are a variety of close-by restaurants to patronize.

“The City is proud of this music series and all the work that Bob Sinclair has done to create a local music attraction for Hickory at The Sails on the Square,” said Dana Kaminske, City of Hickory’s Communications and Marketing Manager. “If you haven’t been to an event yet, don’t miss out in September. You will want to keep coming back.

”The presenting sponsor of the series is Lowes Foods, while the Hickory Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau was the premier sponsor for the month of May and The Hickory Wine Shoppe is the premier sponsor for the month of September. Additional sponsors include: Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza. Media partners include WNNC 1230 AM/WAIZ 63 Big Ways, WNCW 88.7FM, and FOCUS Newspaper.

“We are so fortunate to have wonderful sponsors that help The Sails Original Music Series attract excellent musical entertainment from all over the United States,” added Kaminske. “Word continues to spread all over the state that Hickory has the Sails Original Music Series and that we are attracting great, unique, original bands from all over the world to play in Hickory.”

In the event of rain, the Sails Original Music Series will be held indoors in the Keiser Community Room, located in the West Wing at the SALT Block, 243 Third Avenue NE. The City’s Facebook pages and website will be updated with those details, if the event is relocated.

For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming bands, please visit the Sails Music Series Facebook page – www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.

Photo: Big Sound Harbor, credit: Evoke Emotion Photography.