Hobo Cane to kick off Morganton’s music-filled weekend

On Saturday, Aug. 30, porches, sidewalks, and businesses around Morganton will resonate with the joyful sounds of melodies as the city does its part to celebrate the annual worldwide event, Play Music on the Porch Day (PMotPD).

But locals who want to get a jump start on the event can catch an evening of tunes when Nashville-based star Javier Mendoza cranks things up at The Grind with a concert on Friday night, Aug. 29.

Mendoza’s show will provide the perfect appetizer for Saturday’s multicultural event. Born in Washington, D.C., Mendoza moved with his family to Spain when he was 2. His Mexican-American father and Spanish mother provided a varied cultural experience for their son.

“I was raised in Spain and Germany,” he explained, “and I came to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship.” That diverse background set the stage for Mendoza to create music with his own unique sound.

Mendoza, who performs under the stage name Hobo Cane, has seen success in the music business as a songwriter and a performer. He has shared the stage with superstars Willie Nelson, Los Lobos, Duran Duran, and Blues Traveler, and has written for musicians Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin.

He performed in Morganton during the 2023 PMotPD and said he is looking forward to his return to the city. Drawing inspiration from diverse genres including soul, rock, pop, folk and latin, Mendoza presents a show with something for everyone to enjoy.

Hobo Cane will play upstairs at The Grind on Friday, Aug. 29, from 7-9 p.m. Tickets, which are $10 each, are available online at hobocane.com. Tickets will also be available at the door and may be reserved by calling The Grind at 828-430-4343.

Fans can also hear him again on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 4:30-6 p.m. at 523 Lenoir St., in Morganton, and on the Historic Courthouse Stage from 8:15-9 p.m. as part of Morganton’s Play Music on the Porch Day.