From the Washington Harbor District Alliance

Music in the Streets, an outdoor mini-music festival held in downtown Washington, is slated for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Performers include Charles Matier and the Heavenly Upsetters, Sister Janes Thompson & the Anointed Ones, John “Singer” Benson, David Cox, Robin Potts and Caroline Dare.

Charles Matier and the Heavenly Upsetters will be joined by his friends Sister Jane Thompson & the Anointed Ones at the corner of Main Street and Stewart Parkway for a special Gospel Corner at Music in the Streets.

Charles Matier plays old time rhythm and blues gospel music with a new flavor from the heart. Charles’ music has on old school sound with a new school feel. Some say it is like the Motown sound. Charles writes and arranges all of his music. Charles and his group of 13 friends are coming from the Greensboro area and have been coordinated with the help of our local postmaster Myra Lynn, who is thrilled to share the music of her friends with her new friend in Washington.

John “Singer” Benson is a Greenville native, a singer/songwriter, and has been playing music around eastern North Carolina for many years. You can see him locally at Backwater Jacks, On the Waterfront, and BCTMA shows, he is also a favorite at Music in the Streets. He is also part of the duet John & JB. His music includes songs by James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, Jimmy Buffett, John Hiatt, Zack Brown and his own original songs.

David Cox got his first guitar at 9 years old. The first song he learned was the theme from “Peter Gunn.” David was into the Beatles as well as the Motown sound, then he discovered Jimi Hendrix and it was on. David has played locally, has traveled the country, has worked in studios, played in honkytonks and debutante balls. He said he first did it for the love of music, then did it for a living, and is now doing it for love again.

Local accordionist Robin Potts, always colorful and lively, will make an appearance at MITS.

Caroline Dare is an up and coming singer/songwriter. Just 14 years old, she has been recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) as “One to Watch” for being a songwriter on the rise. Her song “Game On” and its video have been featured worldwide on The Fox Soccer Channel. Her song “Someday” was selected for “The Independent” No.1’s Vol. 3 Compilation produced by W.O.A Records in the UK. She is the youngest artist to ever be included on this series featuring some of the finest International independent artists from around the world. Caroline has played at many Music in the Streets in the past, please join the merchants and restaurants in the Harbor District that welcome her back and the other artists who give of their time and their love of performing.

Local non-profits will also be out at MITS tonight: United Way is holding a motorcycle raffle; Britt Benjamin with Animal Encounters will be out with shares his love of reptiles and mammals; The Humane Society will have their Smooch a Pooch booth and other fun stuff; and Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron will be providing boating education.