If you’ve somehow missed the first three versions of the 2016 Summer Sounds Concert Series, there is one last chance to come out and join in on all the fun that takes over the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in downtown Elizabethtown.

On Thursday, the Concert Series wraps up the summer with a familiar band — familiar because its members are Bladen County neighbors, school administrators, co-workers and friends.

Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band, which calls Clarkton its home base, will once again close out the Summer Sounds Concert Series. And if last year’s performance is any indication, only Mother Nature can keep the Farmer’s Market area from exploding with great music, plenty of people and loads of dancing.

And it’s all for free.

There are nine reasons to like Blackwater Rhythm & Blues — starting with lead singer Kendrix Singletary and continuing through Billy Little on sax and vocals; William Sellers on keyboard and vocals; Greg Elkins on vocals and a variety of instruments; Donald Jordan on guitar and vocals; Neill Singletary on bass guitar; Dale Edwards on trombone and vocals; Billy Prease on drums; and, last but certainly not least, Fred Cook on saxophone.

Individually, the nine members are extremely talented. Collectively, they bring a high-energy vibe filled with a sensational style of beach music, blues and funk.

Blackwater Rhythm & Blue Band is well known from Virginia to South Carolina and has played beach and other venues throughout the tri-state area. Most recently, the band performed at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery in Elizabethtown and, next month, will anchor the entertainment stage at the annual Dublin Peanut Festival.

But on Thursday, it’s the finale of the Summer Sounds Concert Series — and you won’t find a better three hours packed with music perfect for good listening, good shagging and good fellowship.

Dawn Madden, executive director of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce — which, along with Cape Fear Valley/Bladen Healthcare, are the top sponsors of the event — has booked the band to close out the Concert Series in its first two years and can probably pencil the group in for years to come and be assured of a fantastic finale.

Last summer, the finale attracted more than 500 people to downtown Elizabethtown. That number very well could get surpassed on Thursday, and for good reason. Blackwater Rhythm & Blues will easily meet and exceed anyone’s expectations for an enjoyable evening.

We hope to see you there. After all, your neighbors, friends and co-workers probably will be.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The good thing about music is, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” (Bob Marley)