Hickory – Friday, June 22, the City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series will feature Asheville folk ensemble, The Moon and You.  At its core are married singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Ryan Furstenberg (banjo, guitar) and Melissa Hyman (cello), who will be accompanied by other talented musicians to help create a one-of-a-kind Americana experience.

 Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair says, “Ryan Furstenberg and Melissa Hyman write Baroque pop songs and travel the world seeking inspiration.  They’ll add a full band to their quirky sound!”

 The Moon and You’s unique blend of jazz, bluegrass, and folk charmed audiences with the release of its first album, A White Light That Sings, in June 2016.  The Asheville Citizen-Times described the album as “[moving] with aplomb from bluegrass swagger to soulful searching, country twang to jazzy sophistication.”  The band continued crafting its engaging sound and released a powerful second full-length release, Endless Maria, in the spring of 2017.

 The Moon and You continues to evolve its distinctive sound and tours throughout the Eastern United States and Western Europe, captivating audiences with its inviting melodies, warm harmonies, and unexpected instrumentations.

The Sails Original Music Series is able to bring excellent musical entertainment from all over the United States with the help of numerous sponsors.  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 the Focus.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and 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 Sails Original Music Series will feature live music under the Sails on the Square in Downtown Hickory every Friday evening in June and September, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In the event of rain, the Sails Original Music Series will be held indoors at the Hickory Elks Lodge #1654, located at 356 Main Ave NW.  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.

The Moon and You; Photo by Lauren Van Epps