Hickory – Friday, June 15, the City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series will feature The Digs, an Asheville-based group putting a new spin on old school grooves and neo-soul. The instrumental band was formed by composers Simon George (keyboard and synth bass) and Ram Mandelkorn (guitar), who work with three rotating drummers: Claude Coleman, Jr. (drummer of Ween), Phill Bronson (previous drummer of Jonathan Scales Fourchestra), and Jaze Uries (drummer of The Broadcast).

“This potent ensemble brings their unique concoction of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz to the Sails. This is powerful music – don’t try this at home!” says Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair.

Crafting a signature sound that blends influences from several genres, The Digs have been turning heads and gaining regional attention in recent years. The band released a self-titled album in 2016, which is currently available on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon. According to Bill Kopp of Mountain Xpress, “The jazz-inflected tunes have the undercurrent of funk, with a strong melody that keeps things rooted in a pop sensibility.”

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 pm 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 6:30pm.

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 at www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.

The Digs perform this Friday, June 15