Smilin' & Clappin' & Tappin'
April 25, 2008 | 12:38 PM
Be part of the fiesta as historic, downtown Jonesborough celebrates the 10th anniversary of the award-winning, summer music series, Music on the Square! MOTS begins the '08 season Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. with local favorite The Jonesborough Novelty Band and Asheville's own Mariachi Puebla!
The Novelty Band plays for children's events, in retirement homes and for festivals performing and fundraising for the love of it. "Spontaneous is a good word for them" says Event Director, Steve Cook. "They play a lot of old sing-a-long-songs that audiences remember the words to, and before you know it, everyone is smilin', clappin' and tappin'!"
Most members of Mariachi Puebla have been together for 12 years entertaining crowds at restaurants, parties, weddings and festivals. Costumed in silver-studded charro outfits and wide brimmed sombreros, band members sing traditional Mexican Folk songs accompanied by trumpet, violin, guitars and bass. "Mariachi Puebla first visited us three years ago as part of our World Beat series of concerts," says Cook. "Folks wouldn't let us celebrate Cinco de Mayo without them!"
Held each Friday evening May - September, Music on the Square is Americana at its best, featuring live, outdoor performances by local and regional bands, storytellers, poets and performance artists. Each week offers at least two different acts. Many of the shops in Jonesborough stay open for these events and the restaurants are full of diners and dessert seekers. Folks can visit, chat, enjoy the music and meet new friends as the bands play a variety of bluegrass, Celtic, old-time, blues, jazz and world beat blends. Being an official town event, Main Street is blocked off to through- traffic for these concerts and plenty of parking is found behind the Jonesborough Courthouse. Restrooms are available and handicap access is available for parking and seating. Each concert begins around 7 p.m. and is free of charge due to the generosity of local sponsors. For more information call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 423-753-1010.
