TGIF Concert Series artists announced for 2024 season

Special to The News Herald

MORGANTON — The summer stage is set on the historic Burke County Courthouse amphitheater stage for a high energy TGIF season.

Twelve bands encompassing a variety of genres, will hit the stage every Friday night May through July (except for July 5). Audiences can expect to boogie down to sounds ranging from Appalachian Keltic, New Orleans grass, old and new R&B, groovy ‘70s and rock ‘n’ roll with a Latin edge.

A variety of delicious food vendors, local breweries and the TGIF beer and wine tent open at 6 p.m. weekly. The Sunshine Photo Bus will join again in the fun festivities, parking on the corner of North Green and East Meeting streets. Bands will light up the stage at 7 p.m. and will keep concertgoers on their feet until the show ends at 10 p.m.

Come on out to the free concerts and bring your chairs, blankets, families and friends to create summertime memories. Make sure you stop to say hi and take a selfie with Gus the Groundhog as he makes special appearances throughout the season.

The following are the dates and bands for the 2024 TGIF Concert Series.

5/3—Soul Watt—Rock, Pop, Dance
5/10—Envision– Variety
May 17—Sunset Strip—‘80s Hair Cover Band
May 24—The Alligators—Classic Rock & Blues
May 31—Smitty & The Jumpstarters—West Coast Swing, Rock & Roll
June 7—Petty Rewind—Tom Petty Tribute Band
June14—Cane & Cancino – Rock and Roll, with a Latin edge
June 21—Al G & Friends Band—Old & New R&B, Beach Music, Motown
June 28—Sidecar Honey—Indie, Americana, Rock
July 12—Tuatha Dea—Appalachian Keltic
July 19—Hustle Souls—Retro Soul, New Orleans Grass, Americana
July 26—Groove Machine—Classic ‘70s

“Having never experienced the TGIF summer concerts before, I am excited to see the stage light up, the square fill up, and all of the people enjoying the amazing lineup,” Main Street Manager Makenzie Hamrick said. “I can’t wait to see what I’ve been missing out on!”

Community Events Coordinator Kasey Goodfellow said, “I can’t wait to hear these bands! Each has their own creative sound, energy and stage presence and I know that individually they are going to come together to make this season one for the books. I’m always overjoyed to see our community come out to cheer for the bands, visit with one another and dance the night away!”

Sponsors for TGIF include The News Herald, Case Farms, city of Morganton Electric Department, Gwen Services, Morganton Eye Physicians, UNC Health Blue Ridge, United Beverages, Morganton Downtown Development Association, CoMPAS X-Stream, Pepsi, KICKS 103.3 and The Paper.

There is still one spot left to be a sponsor for TGIF. For those who may be interested, call 828-438-5280 or email info@downtownmorganton.com by April 12 for more information.

Here are a few reminders of how to help make TGIF the best it can be: