Free music is better music. That’s what some folks are banking on to entice people to come out the first Friday in June, July and August.

“We wanted something free, fun and readily available to everyone in Anson County,” said Carly Little, Uptown Wadesboro Inc. president.

Little and her crew have scheduled a variety of bands covering musical genres from bluegrass to classic rock to pop. It’s the second year Uptown Wadesboro has organized the Uptown Summer Jam Series. Summer Jam will take place on June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7.

“Last year proved people appreciate this sort of thing,” Little said. “We’re building off of that to give the crowds more music and more atmosphere.”

The first Summer Jam is scheduled for this Friday, June 5, from 7-10 p.m. Flatout Bluegrass will headline this concert. This local band has won South Piedmont Community College’s (SPCC) Battle of the Bands for the last two years.

Summer Jam also includes a Fourth of July show, albeit on July 3. Three bands will perform at Ray Shelton Ball Field on Camden Road in Uptown Wadesboro, followed by fireworks. It’s one of the few events in Anson County scheduled for the holiday and Uptown Wadesboro is hoping people will stay close to home this year to celebrate.

A major difference this year is sponsorship. Dr. Richard Dest of Wadesboro Family Dentistry is helping to fund the concerts and make sure the events stay free.

Little said Dest and other local sponsors make it possible for free entertainment to happen in tough economic times.

Free music events have proved popular in Anson County. In May, SPCC saw record crowds of more than 900 swarm to its L.L. Polk Campus in Polkton for its Battle of the Bands II.

Nine hundred or nine people, it doesn’t matter to Uptown Wadesboro. The group is trying to build community involvement and spirit within the county.

With the exception of the July 3 show, all concerts will be held on East Wade Street in front of Plank Road Realty. Shows start at 7 p.m. All concerts are free for the entire family. Concert goers are asked to bring a lawn chair, as seating will not be provided. Papa Joes pizza will be on sell during each concert.

“There’s no excuse to stay at home,” Little said. “Come out and listen to the music, dance if you want.”

For more information, contact Carly Little at 704-694-2213