Compiled by Haley Ledford

Fourth of July

Take your pick of freedom festivities! Fourthfest on Wednesday, July 3, at the Pinehurst Harness Track, 200 Beulah HIll Road S., Pinehurst, begins at 6 p.m. with a free concert and fireworks. Gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call (910) 295-1900 or go to www.vopnc.org. If you’re closer to Aberdeen, check out the July 4th celebration at Aberdeen Lake Park, 301 Lake Park Crossing, Aberdeen, from 5 –10 p.m. Celebrate America with live entertainment, food and vendors. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call (910) 944-7275 or go to www.townofaberdeen.net.

Abe and Mary: Courtship and Murder Mystery

Join author and Lincoln scholar Jonathan F. Putnam at The Country Bookshop, 140 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines, on July 17 at 5 p.m. to discuss the courtship of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and the murder mystery at the heart of Putnam’s newest release, A House Divided. Delve into this historical mystery highlighting this famous but misunderstood romance. For more information, call (910) 692-3211 or go to www.thecountrybookshop.biz/event.

An Evening with General Cornwallis

Step, into history on Thursday, July 25, at Pinehurst Country Club, 1 Carolina Vista Drive, for a dinner and lecture benefit to preserve the chimneys at the House in the Horseshoe, a Colonial-era North Carolina State Historical Site, to preserve the chimneys. Tickets are $100 at ticketmesandhills.com. For more information, call (910) 315-2152.

Sunday Exchange Concert: The Tams

Come listen to The Tams on Sunday, July 14, in downtown Aberdeen at The Exchange Place Lawn, 129 Exchange St., as part of The Sunday Exchange Concert Series. The event is free and open to the public, with food trucks on-site and a BYOB option. Music begins at 6 p.m. For more information, call (910) 944-4506.

Summer Classic Movie

Experience a classic movie, Ghost, at a classic theater, the Sunrise, 244 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines, on Wednesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (910) 692-3611 or go to www.sunrisetheater.com.

Where’s Waldo?

Join the search for Waldo in downtown Southern Pines from July 12 – 22, by looking in participating downtown stores for a chance to win exclusive prizes. First, go to The Country Bookshop, 140 N.W. Broad St., to get your Waldo passport. For more information, go to www.thecountrybookshop.biz.

First Friday

The July 5 edition of First Friday features The Travers Brothership on the First Bank Stage at the Sunrise, 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Music begins at 5 p.m. with food trucks and alcohol for purchase. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or go to www.sunrisetheater.com.

Christmas in July

Visit Seagrove on Friday July 19, for a gallery crawl from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., celebrating “Christmas in July.” Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be present at the shops on North Broad Street, Seagrove, all day. For more information call (336) 707-9124.

An Evening with General Cornwallis

Step, into history on Thursday, July 25, at Pinehurst Country Club, 1 Carolina Vista Drive, for a dinner and lecture benefit to preserve the chimneys at the House in the Horseshoe, a Colonial-era North Carolina State Historical Site, to preserve the chimneys. Tickets are $100 at ticketmesandhills.com. For more information, call (910) 315-2152.

The Rooster’s Wife

Wednesday, July 3: Michaela Anne. An introduction to Michael Daves changed this songwriter’s path from jazz to the more traditional sounds of bluegrass and folk. Yep, rock artist Micheala Anne makes her Aberdeen debut celebrating Independence Day early. Cost: $15.

Sunday, July 7: Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. This unique collaborative effort between two gifted musicians is bound to be a revelation to traditional music fans. Ickes is a longtime, well-established instrumental giant, and Hensley is newly arrived in Music City, bursting with talent both as a vocalist and guitarist. Cost: $20.

Saturday, July 13: Amythyst Kiah. Blending masterful blues guitar skills with a deep knowledge and scholarship of African-American roots music, Kiah’s repertoire runs from old-time music through classic country to contemporary R&B. Cost: $15.

Thursday, July 18: Open mic with the Parsons. Free to members.

Sunday, July 21: The Shakedown. Nothing beats the thrill of live music. The Shakedown brings people together in the seats and on the dance floor. Join us for a fabulous party. Cost: $10.

Thursday, July 25: Mike Farris, Jeanne Jolly. There aren’t many singers who use their voices to soar, float and deliver material with the spiritual commitment of Grammy winner Mike Farris. Singer-songwriter Jeanne Jolly brings the earthiness of American roots music with a hint of jazz sophistication to her opening set. Cost: $27.

Saturday, July 27: Dawn Landes, Sinner Friends. Disciples of vintage country and old-time gospel music, Sinner Friends tread their own path to confront the contradictions that dwell in the space between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Landes has released five full-length albums, touring extensively in the U.S., Europe and around the world. Her songs have been featured in popular films and TV shows, including The Good Wife, Bored to Death, Skins, House, Gossip Girl and United States of Tara. Cost: $10.

Tuesday, July 30: Sand Band Birthday Bash. Celebrating the end of the summer season for the Rooster’s Wife with our favorites, beach music with a whole lot of soul! Cost: $10.

Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices above are for members. Annual memberships are $5 and available online or at the door. For more information, call (910) 944-7502, or visit www.theroosterswife.org or ticketmesandhills.com.

Recommended Posts