Today’s Sand in the Streets concert will add a new dimension to the music “norm” the crowds typically have been enjoying. Let’s just say it might be a stretch from what folks have come to expect.
Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos will bring the sounds of blues and Cajun music to the Pearson Park stage in the concert sponsored by Kendall Hill, a music afficionado from Hugo. He will help welcome the crowd to the last of this summer's Sand in the Streets concerts.
“It's also Good Health Night, recognizing the importance to our community of the Lenoir Memorial Hospital,” said Adrian King, executive director of Pride of Kinston, the downtown revitalization organization which produces the Sand in the Streets series. “Barbara LaRoque, who heads the hospital's public affairs program, will represent LMH.”
Rick Vernon will emcee the evening, including an overview of the 2013 series and noting all the delays and rescheduling made necessary by inclement weather, beginning with the first concert June 6.
“We’ve probably had the most diverse lineup of bands this summer that we’ve had in a long time,” said King. “This summer’s series added an ’80s flavor to season the beach music stance for which Sand in the Streets has become known — with a dash of Cajun, zydeco and New Orleans jazz and funk thrown in for good measure.”
That zydeco and funk will be left in the hands of tonight’s band, which was formed in 1990 after Melton returned to North Carolina following an extended immersion in Louisiana Cajun culture. He worked to create a band that would combine both passions — music and Cajun food — founding the first edition of the Wicked Mojos.
Melton went on, in 2008, to open Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse, a hot Cajun restaurant in Durham. He and his three partners give lively performances featuring music with a Louisiana soul.
“This summer’s schedule has definitely had its meteorological challenges,” said King.
The Suicide Blonde concert, set to open the series June 6, was rained out, rescheduled, and rained out again. Efforts to find a third performance date were unsuccessful.
Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos originally were scheduled to perform Aug. 1 but were rained out. The group’s itinerary allowed tonight’s rescheduling.
The other concerts – North Tower, Breakfast Club, Four Knights Band, Spare Change and Band of Oz – managed to take place, some under last minute weather threats, but all to the delight of the fans.
“Nevertheless, it has been a great season, and we appreciate the patience and continued support of our bands, sponsors and fans,” said King. “As soon as the last note sounds Thursday, we'll begin working on the 2014 series which might include bringing the North Carolina Symphony to open the season June 19, 2014, performing on the banks of the Neuse River. Discussions are underway.”
Sand in the Streets
Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos
6 to 8 p.m. today
Pearson Park
Free to the public
Info: Pride of Kinston, 252-522-4676, ext. 2020 or adrianking@downtownkinston.com