With parades, parties and presents soon stacking up on the calendar and under trees, those looking to rock their way into the holidays can catch the first Christmas concert of the year at the Turnage Theater.

At 8 p.m. Friday, singer and virtuoso guitarist Jacob Johnson will play a solo concert at the Washington theater. Johnson’s got a unique sound, one described as “neo-acoustic folk/funk” and a combination of “Norman Rockwell paintings and the open road.” He’s young, he’s entertaining and hangs out with rock heroes on his way to becoming one himself. For this concert, he’s taking a vast array of techniques and styles and putting them to work for Christmas.

“His guitar prowess is amazing. Add that to his great personality and showmanship, and you have the whole package — a consummate performer who is appealing, and a wonderful talent to kick off the holiday season at the theater,” said Joey Toler, executive director of the Beaufort County Arts Council.

Toler first heard Johnson at the Ocrafolk Music Festival on Ocracoke and decided then and there to bring him to the Turnage. Not only is Johnson an accomplished guitarist, Toler said, but he’s got a winning personality that draws every audience in — no mean feat for a young performer.

“He might be 30. He might be that old, but he’s an all around good entertainer,” Toler said.

The Johnson concert is just the first in a lineup of Christmas events hosted by the Beaufort County Arts Council.

“It’s a good way to ease us into the holiday time of year,” Toler said.

Celtic singer Jennifer Licko will bring her Christmas tour to the Turnage on Dec. 5; BCAC hosts the annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 6; the free annual HeART of the City Christmas concert featuring the Beaufort County Choral Society and hand bell choir River City Ringers on Dec. 6; the Tar River Swing Band Christmas concert Dec. 12, and another free event on Dec. 14, the Beaufort County Community Orchestra Christmas concert.

Tickets for Friday night’s Christmas concert are $12 for BCAC members and $15 for non-members.

More information about all BCAC programs can be found at beaufortcountyartscouncil.org; tickets can be purchase through the website or by calling BCAC at 252-946-2504.