Sails Original Music Series to feature Johnny Sansone

The City of Hickory's Sails Original Music Series will feature American electric blues singer, songwriter, and musician Johnny Sansone on Friday, May 17. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Union Square in downtown Hickory.

The steamroller Johnny Sansone has overwhelmed audiences around the planet with his powerful vocals, sizzling blues harp, and mastery of his accordion and electric guitar playing. His sets are fully stocked with original songs from over 150 of his published titles. 

“Ride with Johnny to New Orleans. He’s got that French Quarter boogie and rock going on,” says Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair. “He’ll have us dancing! Yep, even you!”

A crowd favorite at every venue, Johnny turns out seamless energetic passion with his spellbinding mixture of blues, soul, swamp rock, and zydeco. His bareknuckle approach is reminiscent of a southern elder prophet that has lived on the hard road and draws his sermon from a deep, dark backwoods well. His performances are pure, unpretentious, and come with a full-grown swagger. Johnny Sansone is the personification of the finest that the New Orleans music scene has to offer.

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

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.