Hickory – The City of Hickory will welcome back nationally renowned bluesman Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues as part of the Sails Original Music Series.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the community is invited to the Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park for a special Festival on the Field starting at 4 p.m., followed by a free Sails Original Music Series concert. The Festival on the Field will feature vendor booths, on-site food trucks, and cornhole games. Then at 5 p.m., Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues will hit the stage to perform their greatest blues hits.

Now famous for his use of rhythm and slide guitars made from old gas cans, Mac Arnold is a 2017 inductee to the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame. Highlights of his musical career include performing with famous musicians like James Brown, Muddy Waters, Otis Redding, and B.B. King, as well as producing “Soul Train” and playing bass on the “Sanford & Son” television show.

After moving back to his home state of South Carolina, Arnold formed his own band to continue serving up world-class blues music. The band consists of Austin Brashier on guitar and vocals; Max Hightower on harmonica, keyboard, guitar, bass, and vocals; Rick Latham on drums; Mark Bumgarner on bass; and Mac Arnold on vocals, bass, and gas can guitars.

“We can’t get enough of Mac Arnold and his homemade gas can electric guitar. He has played with the country’s best bluesmen and has stories to tell. And his band rocks out,” says Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair.

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festival and musical entertainment on the ballfield.

Started in 2012, the City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series showcases well-crafted, live music by bringing original music artists to Hickory. 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.

The Sails Original Music Series concludes this year with 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.

 Photo: Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues will perform a free blues concert in Hickory on Sept. 21 as part of the Sails Original Music Series.