Valdese announces lineup for annual summer concert series

The daffodils are beginning to sprout up around Burke County, telling us that spring is not too far away, despite the recent frigid temperatures.

And with the blooming flowers comes the promise of warm-weather fun: hiking, biking, dining al fresco, and — of course — outdoor live music.

Valdese has announced its musical lineup for FFN, when at 7 p.m. every Friday night in June and July, all ages can enjoy good tunes, inflatables, food trucks, games, raffles, and more.

FFN SEASON KICKOFF: JUNE 5 — DIRTY GRASS SOUL

Who is DGS? Proudly hailing from the musically rich foothills of Cleveland County (Shelby), Dirty Grass Soul (country/rock) has been entertaining audiences across the Carolinas and beyond since their formation in 2011. With a sound that draws much influence from traditional music of the North Carolina foothills, Dirty Grass Soul manages to bring a new, refreshed, and re-energized sound to their music that falls somewhere between country, bluegrass, and Southern rock & roll.

After touring primarily in the Carolinas behind their self-released albums “Soul’d Out: Live at the Don Gibson Theatre,” “The Long Way,” and “New Day of Work,” DGS has tirelessly expanded their touring circle over the years earning them a reputation as one of the southeast’s emerging Southern rock/alternative country bands.

Dirty Grass Soul has shared the stage and been featured on bills with many legendary acts throughout their career including The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Hank Williams Jr., Sammy Kershaw, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols, Craig Morgan, Josh Turner, Rhonda Vincent, 49 Winchester, Lainey Wilson, Randy Owen, Uncle Kracker, Colt Ford, The Kentucky Headhunters, Eastin Corbin, Parmalee, Corey Smith, Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, and many others. They have twice been featured performers on the popular fan favorite “Country Cruising — Country Music Cruise.”

Outside of touring, DGS recently made a cameo appearance on the pilot episode of the No. 1 hit Netflix series “The Hunting Wives” in 2025 and had several of their songs featured in the soundtrack.

Whether it is the hint of bluegrass, outlaw country, or rock ‘n’ roll you hear in each song, their sound is uniquely Dirty Grass Soul. From Dedmon’s down-home working-class lyrics to their blazing instrumental breaks, Dirty Grass Soul is sure to offer a little something for everyone. Visit DGSoul.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates about the happenings of the band.

JUNE 12 — SYNCRO-TONIC SWAG

Get ready to groove to the irresistible sounds of Syncro-Tonic Swag (classic rock), a four-piece powerhouse that blends R&B, soul, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll into a sonic tapestry that will leave you begging for more.

JUNE 19 — NIGHT MOVE BAND

“The party starts here” with The Night Move Band (dance/variety). With a cast of musicians who can each boast more than 25 years of experience, this band is just as at home on stage in front of a large festival crowd as they are playing for a private party. With a diverse song list including artists such as The Commodores, Delbert McClinton, Zac Brown, Bruno Mars, Mayer Hawthorne, Johnny Taylor, The Drifters, Kool & The Gang, Huey Lewis & The News, John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, and many more this band comes ready to please any audience.

JUNE 26 — GOTCHA GROOVE

Gotcha Groove (classic rock/variety) is a slammin’ seven-member private event/corporate/party band based in the Carolinas and is comprised of an all-star lineup of exceptionally talented performers. These guys love the stage and are known for their attention to arrangement details and incredible harmonies. Their repertoire is massive and diverse, covering R&B, soul, funk, classic rock, oldies, beach, and dance tunes from the last nine decades.

PARTY CONTINUES IN JULY

July’s lineup features Garrett Huffman on July 10 (country/rock), Chasing Phoenix on July 17 (classic rock), Shakedown on July 24 (dance/variety), and Smitty & The Jumpstarters on July 31 (swing).

And don’t forget about Valdese’s annual Independence Day celebration. This year’s event — on Saturday, July 4 — will be filled with music, dancing, classic cars, delicious food, and an awe-inspiring fireworks display launched behind Old Rock School.

What to expect:

• 5 p.m.: Main Street closes | Kids area and food trucks open
• 5:30 p.m.: Cruise-in on Main Street
• 6:45 p.m.: Opening announcements, National Anthem, and Presentation of Colors by Valdese American Legion Color Guard, performance of the outdoor drama “From This Day Forward” by the Old Colony Players
• 7 p.m.: Live music by The Tonez, a variety music/dance band
• Dusk: Fireworks
• 10 p.m.: Encore with The Tonez

Save the date: the 51st annual Waldenesian Festival is Aug. 7-8.

— AKC