Hickory – The City of Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series, presented by Protection Products, Inc., returns to the heart of downtown Hickory this spring and fall, presenting free concerts of live original music under The Sails on the Square. Performances will begin at 7 p.m., Friday evenings in May, June, and September.
Music fans will also enjoy a change of venue for a special Sails Original Music Series concert at the Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m., in conjunction with the Festival on the Field event.
“For 15 years, the Sails Original Music Series has played a key role in enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Hickory. The series consistently attracts large audiences, supports our local economy, and contributes to a lively, welcoming atmosphere. We are proud of the entertainment value it brings to our residents and the positive momentum it generates for our city,” said City of Hickory Communications and Marketing Manager Dana Kaminske.
Sails Original Music Series Coordinator Bob Sinclair added, “Every season gets bigger, bolder, and better, and it’s been amazing to watch this series evolve into one of Hickory’s most beloved traditions. The continued enthusiasm from our audiences and artists is what keeps this stage alive. And I can’t wait for folks to hear what we have in store for them this year!”
Sinclair summarizes each of the bands in this year’s lineup as follows:
May 1 – The Get Right Band
They describe themselves as a psychedelic indie rock power trio, but we just think they’re groovy!
May 8 – Florencia & the Feeling
A Tennessee funk and R&B outfit that brings impossible amounts of cool to the stage.
May 15 – Flow Tribe
The new wave of New Orleans talent – merging traditional jazz with contemporary sounds. It’ll be unstoppable rhythm and youthful energy! Dance baby!
May 22 – Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
The Boston-based band was the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Champions. A spellbinding trio that brings traditional music, crafty songwriting, and feisty feminist storylines to the stage.
May 29 – Magnolia Boulevard
Kentucky sends us their best Appalachian soul, rock ‘n’ roll band.
June 5 – Tyler Ramsey Trio
Tyler is a big, tall handsome man, famous as a leading member of Band of Horses. He has made his own space in the world of modern folk and indie rock.
June 12 – Dulci
She’s a classy, charming songbird! She owns the stage and fills it with her oh-so-fine original pop-styled songs. The band will bring it, too!
June 19 – Chatham County Line
Once rooted in bluegrass, the band put down the banjo and decided to rock. And rock they do!
June 26 – Pretty Little Goat
It’s a silly band name but these guys and gals are serious about string band music.
Sept 4 – Miss Tess
Nashville chanteuse Miss Tess swings, swaggers, seduces, and soothes in that old school country rock way. Everybody loves Tess.
Sept 11 – Mellow Swells
Let’s welcome these guys back to Hickory! Great rhythm and atmosphere from this band celebrating their new release ‘Take Me With You.’
Sept 18 – Pressing Strings
This trio from Annapolis, MD is wildly talented and broadly influenced – with intimate ballads, upbeat anthems, roots rock, Americana, and modern jam-band fun.
Sept 26 – N-Spire Band*
Wrapping up the 2026 season, N-Spire will bring it with R&B, Jazz, Funk, Pop, Old School, Go-Go, and more. Expect horns, big voices, passion, creativity, and soul.
*As part of the Festival on the Field event, the performance is at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park. Vendors and food trucks start at 4 p.m.
Supporting sponsors of the series include Bob Sinclair Music, Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza.
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.
For more information about the Sails Original Music Series and upcoming bands, please visit www.hickorync.gov/SailsMusic and follow the Sails Original Music Series Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SailsMusic.
