Saturday filled with beach music [The Wilson Daily Times, N.C.]

Aug. 26--Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party kicks off its 36th anniversary beach music festival at 10 a.m. Saturday at Fleming Stadium.

Featured performers are Seaside Band, taking the stage first around 10:45, followed by The Mighty Saints of Soul, North Tower Band and The Craig Woolard Band.

Steve Hardy, whose award-winning beach music radio show has been going strong since 1974, said he is proud to be returning to Wilson for the anniversary show.

"It's just great for me and for the listeners at WNCT-FM 107.9," he said.

A professional stage will be set up at the stadium, he said, and ticket holders can take lawn chairs or beach blankets and enjoy the day, with food and beverages for sale.

The four bands playing Saturday will provide plenty of dance music throughout the afternoon.

Craig Woolard spent 27 years with The Embers, and since 2005 had been on the road with his new band. His signature songs are "What You Do To Me" and "Georgia." He's had four No. 1 songs. The band is making its second appearance in Wilson in less than week, playing at Wednesday's Downtown Alive concert.

The party band North Tower has been performing for more than 30 years, presenting oldies, beach, Top 40 and funk across the South.

Their beach songlist includes "Chasin' Dreams," "Daydream," "Give Me Just a Little More Time," "Carolina Girls," "Used to Be My Girl" and "60 Minute Man."

The Mighty Saints of Soul members are from some of the area's most popular bands. Three of the four members played with Band of Oz. Members are Randy Hignite, Jim Heidenreich, Danny Garner and Johnnie Byrd.

Seaside Band specializes in beach, shag, R&B, Motown, Top 40 and line dance music. The group includes Rick Sutton, Lynwood Turner, Tim Watson, Wanda Garner, Mike Wrenn, Bruce Edwards and Jim Slaughter.

In addition to presenting sponsor Bobby Murray Toyota, other sponsors include Flint Printing Company of Greenville; Pepsi Minges Bottling Group; Dr. Bill Ballance Greenville Pathology; Piggly Wiggly stores in Bailey, Kenly, Elm City and Littleton; The Albritton Company of Winterville and Hookerton; Sampson-Bladen Oil Company Handy Hugo Stores; The Wilson Times; and King's BB&Q and Chicken of Kinston.

Advance tickets are $12 and can be purchased in Wilson at Fleming Stadium and The Wilson Times, 2001 Downing St. Tickets are $15 at the gate.

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