Wednesday, June 14
Cole and MaryAnn
The free Summer Concert Series, which runs every Wednesday through Aug. 16 at Dowdy Park in Nags Head, kicks off with Cole Prior Stevens and MaryAnn Toboz.
With Stevens on guitar, slide guitar and vocals and Toboz on guitar, harmonica and vocals, the duo specializes in Delta Blues, the utterly American music that originated in the early 1900s in Mississippi and was popularized by mostly Black artists like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Son House.
Delta Blues, which influenced rock and roll musicians like Bonnie Raitt, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, is characterized by no-frills melodies, slide guitar fills, harmonica riffs, close harmonies and expressive singing.
“It’s easy to find the groove,” says Toboz, who lives in Nags Head (Stevens is based in Virginia Beach). “The music is immersive.”
Lyrics are simple and direct, addressing subjects ranging from romantic relationships to natural disasters (mostly flooding and hurricanes), and economic hardships.
Many of the genre’s best-known songs were based on the musicians’ real-life experiences, almost like a vocal diary.
Stevens and Toboz, who started playing together in 2019, bring authenticity in their performances, mixing originals and remakes of classics.
In the former category are, among others, “Country Boy,” “Blues is My Religion” and “I Wasn’t Born in the Delta,” all written by Stevens.
“I Feel So Good” by Muddy Waters, “I Love You Baby” by Lazy Lester and “Preaching Blues” by Son House fall in the latter category.
“We’re old enough to appreciate the music,” says Toboz, 66. Stevens is in his early ‘70s. “It’s just fun to play.”
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Highway (U.S. 158), Nags Head
Info: nagsheadnc.gov
It’s lawn seating, so bring a chair or blanket
June 10, 11, 12, 14-15
Kim Kalman
Fans of mellow, ‘70s singer-songwriters will find much to love about Kim Kalman.
Her ever-evolving playlist includes Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” and Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel of Montgomery” (written by John Prine).
She also covers The Platters’ “Only You,” Adele’s “Easy on Me” and, wait for it, The Archies’ bubblegum classic “Sugar, Sugar.”
The Kill Devil Hills-based musician is known for her exquisite guitar playing, unique phrasing (she “Kalmanizes” remakes), impeccable taste and rich, husky voice.
So, you’ll recognize the songs but may hear them in a different way.
Kalman, who spent a decade in Nashville before moving to the Outer Banks in 2001, also has a batch of pretty pop-folk originals.
When and Where: 6 p.m. June 10, 12 and 15 at SaltBox Cafe, 1469 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills and noon June 11 and 5:30 p.m. June 14 at Froggy Dog, 40050 N.C. Highway 12, Avon.
Cost: No cover
Info: kimkalman.com
Thursday, June 15
Baum Center Porch Jam
If you’re of a certain age (55 and over) and ever wanted to participate in an “Open Mic Night” but not stay out late, the Porch Jam might be your ticket.
The hour-long event starts at 10 a.m. on the back porch at the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center in Kill Devil Hills, and is open to locals and visitors.
Jams also will be held July 20 and August 17 (the third Thursday of the month).
Designed for people looking to play and sing, make new friends and build community through music, the program is free.
Participants should bring their own instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, ukelele, auto harp, etc).
It will be a circle format (chairs provided), with no microphones and amplifiers.
When: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Thomas A. Baum Senior Center, 300 Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills
Info: darenc.gov
