Art of Sound Returns with Emmy-Nominated Headliners Gangstagrass and a Full Day of Free Music

Shelby, N.C. – The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that the Art of Sound Music Festival will return this year on June 14. Art of Sound supports local and regional musicians and is a gift to the community from the Arts Council. You will have the opportunity to hear a variety of FREE music throughout the day and into the evening. In partnership with the Earl Scruggs Center, the music will begin at 11 a.m. The stage will be set outside of 111 S Washington Street on the Court Square in Shelby, N.C.

The festival will be headlined by Emmy-nominated group Gangstagrass, showcasing their unique sound combining bluegrass and hip hop. Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Gangstagrass features MCs R-Son and Dolio the Sleuth, producer and guitarist Rench, Dan Whitener on banjo, and B.E. Farrow on fiddle. The group is known for performing the theme song “Long Hard Times to Come” for the FX series “Justified,” in addition to multiple #1 debuts on the Billboard Bluegrass charts. They were also quarter-finalists on “America’s Got Talent” in 2021. Gangstagrass’ set at Art of Sound will tentatively begin at 7:30 p.m.

The music will begin on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with Pickin’ on the Square, presented by the Earl Scruggs Center. Local acoustic trio Finkelstein Three will perform, followed by a community jam session open to pickers of all levels and ages. A drum circle led by Crest Middle School music teacher Justin Harper will get underway at 1:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Angela Easterling from Greer, S.C. will step up to the stage at 3 p.m. with her rootsy, homespun tunes. A long-awaited reunion from local favorite quartet Mama Said is set for 4:30 p.m., with founding members Sandy Carlton, Phil Ruff, Nancy Owen, and Randy Saxon playing together once again. Next Level Band of Charlotte will bring their party-infused energy to the stage at 6 p.m., covering hits from classic rock, funk, Motown, and more.

The full day of free music will be accompanied by local food trucks selling refreshments, including Hopper’s Soul Food and Catering and Little Annie Waffles. Art of Sound has something for everyone – a variety of musical genres, family entertainment, food, friends, and lots of music. All of the performances are FREE and folks are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, picnics, and spend the day Uptown. Attendees are invited to visit the Cleveland County Artist Competition and Exhibit in the gallery of the Arts Council, which will be open to the public for the duration of Art of Sound.

For more information go to www.ccartscouncil.org or https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandCountyArtsCouncil/ or call 704-484-2787.