From the Washington Harbor District Alliance

 

Friday will mark the last Music in the Streets of the season, featuring a lineup of several Christian artists and acts. Washington’s premier festival, Smoke on the Water, will also begin.

At 6:30 p.m., the annual Pig Parade officially kicks-off Smoke on the Water. Following the parade, several local Christian music acts will hit the street for residents and out-of-towners alike to enjoy.

Men of Faith, a MITS veteran act, will be present to reach audiences they normally might not have a chance to perform for, said Trey Duncan, the group’s pianist. The eight-man group, consisting of four vocalists, two musicians, a production manager and a transportation manager, is dedicated to the ministry of the gospel and have a strong desire to uplift the name of Jesus in song and personal testimony.

“We’ve always thought it was a unique opportunity to sing in front of so many different folks in an informal setting,” Duncan said. “What better way to spread the gospel than playing in the streets? Our desire is to bring a revival in every service. We want to uplift the name of Jesus and ultimately, help lead others to Him.”

Also performing for the second time at MITS is River Song Trio, comprised of three local women — Pamela Cox, Sarah Gruninger and Amy Stephenson. The group features tight harmony and voices that blend like family and balances high-energy bluegrass, R&B and country to create a unique, neo-Southern gospel sound.

“Gospel music is what we feel like we have been called to do,” Stephenson said. “We feel like God has brought us all together (for this ministry).”

Among other acts set to perform are: St. John’s Male Chorus, of St. John Church of Christ Disciples of Christ; The Old Grey Suits, a four-member bluegrass/newgrass act from Winterville; and D.J. G.R.E.G., a DJ, who like to mix old music with newer tunes, catering to a wide audience.

Several area nonprofits will be present: Iron Order Motorcycle Club who is teaming up with the Beaufort County Humane Society for a benefit motorcycle ride on Saturday; Beaufort County United Way; and REAL Crisis Intervention, Inc. will have a bullying game available for youth. Also for younger attendees will be Your Storybook Party, which will offer a storybook princesses to take pictures with and talented Charles Meacomes will be wowing young and old alike with his incredible take home balloon art.

This MITS will be bittersweet, as it will be the last opportunity to attend until April, but with a promising, fun-filled lineup of musical acts, activities and attractions, it will be a perfect kick-off to a very big, event-filled weekend in the area.