Hickory – The City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series returns Friday, Sept. 6, with indie rock band Certainly So performing at 7 p.m. on The Sails Stage in downtown Hickory.

Certainly So formed in September 2019 by bringing together childhood friends and college bandmates to create music that makes you feel good. The Nashville-based band features Tanner Gray on electric guitar and vocals, Colby Wilson on acoustic guitar and vocals, Chase Porter on bass and vocals, and Zach Corder on drums.

Boasting blood harmony and invoking lyrics, the group will catch your ear with the variety of flavors in their music.

“Infectious brother-harmonies laid over great indie rock layers. Will you love them – Certainly So!” says Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair.

Prior to the Sails Music concert on Friday, Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) will host a Paint Our Town Red Pep Rally at 6:30 p.m. on Union Square to celebrate LR Athletics and prepare for LR’s football season home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The pep rally will include appearances by Hickory Mayor Hank Guess, LR President Fred Whitt, Coach Socha, and LR Football captains, along with the LR Band and Spirit Team.

“The City of Hickory is proud to support Hickory’s hometown LR Bears and incorporate a pep rally into this exciting downtown event,” said Dana Kaminske, communications and marketing manager for the City of Hickory.

“What a festive way to not only kick off the football season, but also another month of incredible musical performances from the Sails Original Music Series,” she added.

Started in 2012, the City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series showcases well-crafted, live music by bringing original music artists to The Sails on the Square. Original music is defined as music that is written or composed by the artist who performs it.

The Sails Original Music Series offers excellent musical entertainment from national and international touring acts with the help of numerous sponsors. Thanks to presenting sponsor Protection Products, Inc., and supporting sponsors Atriax, Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza for supporting the series.

In addition to the seating available at Union Square, audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. A variety of close-by bars and restaurants offer food and beverages.

ABC permitted businesses within the Hickory Downtown Social District will sell beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups that may be consumed on Union Square, sidewalks, and other public areas within the designated boundaries of the social district. No outside alcohol may be brought into the social district. To review additional restrictions and a detailed map of the social district’s coverage area, visit www.hickorync.gov/downtown-social-district.

The Sails Original Music Series continues with Damn the Banjos on Sept. 13, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues on Sept. 21, and Jacoozy on Sept. 27.

For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming event details, please visit www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic and follow the Sails Original Music Series Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.