The Sand in the Streets concert from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Pearson Park will continue several of the summer concert series' traditions.
The Band of Oz, which traditionally has brought the concluding concert, will perform, although there still is one more concert on the agenda.
"Pride will welcome the Band of Oz to its seventh appearance on a Sand in the Streets stage," said Adrian King, executive director of Pride of Kinston, which presents the annual summer outdoor series.
"They traditionally end each season, but rains forced us to make some changes in the line up. Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos will fill that spot this year, sponsored by Kendall Hill."
That concert is scheduled for Aug. 29.
Tonight's Band of Oz concert will be sponsored by First South Bank. Rick Vernon, Downeast Today TV host, will emcee the evening, and Katherine Barrett, First South's community banking officer, will represent the company.
"This marks the second time that First South Bank has sponsored one of our concerts," said King, "and we are pleased to have them back."
In line with another tradition, the Band of Oz concert kicks off the United Way Fall campaign. At intermission, about 7 p.m., June Cummings, director of the Lenoir-Greene United Way, will take the stage with board members, including Lisa Wallace, chairwoman, to kick off the annual United Way fall campaign. They will toss out T-shirts, frisbees and other memorabilia to the crowd.
Following another tradition, Brian Wiggins, BB&T's city executive, will present a check to United Way to help get the campaign underway.
Throughout the evening, the crowd can enjoy the Band of Oz's particular style of music which brings fans back year after year. This group of young musicians got together in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South.
Now, the band takes its beach music, featuring a full horn section, to more than 200 venues a year. It has been a guest on most of the beach concerts in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia.
"Band of Oz has a great following in the East. They have a very nice interaction with our music-loving fans," said King. "We love 'em."
Sand in the Streets 2013 Schedule
Today, Band of Oz
Aug. 29, Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos
6 to 8 p.m. at Pearson Park
Free to the public
Info: Pride of Kinston, 252-522-4676, ext. 2020 or adrianking@downtownkinston.com