It's Friday September 26, 2025
Who’s playing at the 2nd Annual OFPMF? On which of the 19 porches? And at what time? You’ve come to the right place.We’ve listed the 28 artists in alphabetical order here, along with times and porch addresses. You can also find out a bit about the musicians who will be playing at the OFPMF on October 17 from 11a-3p.
Things don’t end at 3p. This year we feature our riverside concert with The Carmonas and then, Laurelyn Dossett at the main porch stage at Freemason and South Avenue. That music starts at 3:30p. In meantime, if you want to learn more about those artists, just scroll down.
We’ll have a more succinct program closer to October 17, something you can download and print out. For now, though, here’s the scoop on the lineup…
The Coastal Notes
408 South Water * 1:00-2:30p
The Coastal Notes, an all-female woodwind quintet based in New Bern, has been playing together for just over a year. Hailing from up and down the East Coast, these musicians have 167 years of combined musical experience. The women are all members of local community bands, and were brought together by a shared yearning for a smaller ensemble sound. Their eclectic music includes classical as well as pop classics.The Coastal Notes are flautist Tara Howard-North and French horn player Chris Mele of Oriental, oboist Kristin Marks, clarinetist Jackie Moniak and bassoonist Sandy Ralston of New Bern.Calypso Kid
502 Hodges Street (Old Hotel) * 1:15 – 2:30p
Mike Rooney from Holly Ridge, NC has played calypso music from Key West to NC – and now Oriental. He also plays jazz, reggae, R & B, and pop.
Mike Rooney.Dixie Strings 505 Broad Street * 11:45-12:30pA bluegrass / gospel group comprised of 2 high school seniors, Justin Banks on mandolin, fiddle, and vocals and Carey Smith on guitar and vocals. Both are music students of Dixie Gatlin, who along with her husband Asa provide accompaniment on fiddle and stand-up bass.
Justin Banks & Carey Smith of Dixie Strings.Faith Trio
600 Broad Street * 1-2:30p
Cancelled due to death in the family. The Faith Trio will be back next year.The Faith Trio is Don Clark, Alexander Williams and Sandy Clark. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Don Clark of Oriental has performed original compositions at concerts across the US and is currently working on a project called “Where Truth and Mercy Meet” in the contemporary Christian genre. He is Worship Pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in New Bern, where all of the trio regularly perform.
Multi-instrumentalist Alexander Williams of New Bern will be playing sax at this appearance. He directed the music program and High School Band for Jones Senior High School for years. Sandy Clark, Don’s wife, provides interpretive dance with flags in Christian worship services and at concerts. Last year, the “Faith Trio”, directed and performed “The Spirit of Christmas Musical” at the Water Street Grill in Oriental. www.raphactr.org
Far From Done
204 Wall Street * 12:30-2p
Four guys from Raleigh and Durham (with an Oriental connection, too) who love the ukulele and making music. From the Beatles and Eric Clapton to current artists like Phillip Phillips and Vance Joy, they play pop, rock and even a little blue grassy music.Far From DoneFar From Done recently performed at the 18th Annual Carrboro Music Festival, and they say they’re really looking forward to being a part of Oriental’s 2nd Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival. Lots of harmony; lots of recognizable music; lots of fun.
Andy Ferrell
502 Factory Street * 11a-3p
A native of Boone, NC, Andy Ferrell’s music shows the influence of Appalachian traditional tunes on a modern songwriters’ sensibility. Andy has toured from coast to coast and has just released his second CD. (The CDs are At Home and In Nashville.)
Andy Ferrell.At a recent house concert, the host asked, “How does a 23 year old write songs that sound like they were written by someone in their 60’s?” The answer, those close to him say, may be that Andy is truly an old soul. At the OFPMF, he will be accompanied by his father, Graham Ferrell, on backup guitar. www.andyferrellmusic.com
First Sunday
507 Church Street (Town Hall) *12:30-2p
This trio has been the Praise Band at St.Thomas Episcopal church for 20 years. Ginny and Rick Vogt and Perry Cheatham play gospel, Americana, and contemporary folk.Flat Mountain Dulcimers 600 Broad Street * 11:15-12:45Flat Mountain Dulcimers play traditional mountain music, but add a little contemporary music and show just what the three-stringed folk instrument from the Appalachian Mountains can do. The trio -Nancy Galambush from Snow Hill and Dave and Margit Roberson of Goldsboro – has been playing together since 2005. They’ve performed at the R.A. Fountain General Store, Eastern NC Bluegrass Association, Trent River Coffee House and for the Smithsonian American Roots Music traveling exhibit, which traveled around the US.
Flat Mountain Dulcimers plays mountain music on that very mountain-y instrument, the dulcimer, but they do it in the flattest part of the state, eastern NC. That’s where the trio gets their name.Green Creek Bluegrass
502 Hodges Street (Old Hotel) * 11:30-1p
This group played at Oriental’s Ol’ Store 35 years ago. Ken Belangia and Ernest Dunn are sons-in-law of the late Lucille and Billy Truitt who owned the Ol’ Store. Ken, on guitar and Ernest, on fiddle, started this band along with Becky Hollowell Ackiss – standup bass – and guitarist Jim Baluss.
Green Creek Bluegrass were a hit when they played with us last year for the first Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival and we welcome them back. . (Photo: TownDock.net)Gumbo Lily Girls
300 Hodges Street (Village Gallery) * 12:30-2p
Pegie Douglas and Rebecca Marks, retired educators, founded Gumbo Lily Girls in 2015. They play an acoustic mix of folk, country, bluegrass, blues, and originals. Pegie plays guitar, autoharp, bass snd spoons while Rebecca plays guitar, kazoo. Listen for some amazing harmonies.Harbor Sounds
505 Broad Street * 12:45-2:15p
“Supporting charities through music” – $350,000 for local needs — is what Harborsounds has raised over the years. You’ll like the music too. This group from Oriental and Pamlico County offers a mix of bluegrass, gospel, and folk, delivered with a diverse blend of harmonies and lively enthusiasm. www.theharborsounds.orgHarborsounds (at the 1st Annual Ol’ Front Porch Music Fest in Oriental.) (Photo: TownDock.net)Frederick Ingram
204 King Street * 1:15 – 2:45p
Frederick Ingram has been called “the wild voice of the South” and “a bard for our time.” The Sumter, SC musician draws on ancient traditions and contemporary insights to create tunes that are rich in meaning and metaphor.
Frederick Ingram. Photo: Ann NormentJammin’ ‘Place
103 Wall Street – Tiki Bar Deck * 11a-3p
Your chance to play comes in this 4 hour jam session. Last year many musicians played at the ongoing jam after their other porch gigs ended. To make room for everyone, the Jammin’ Place has moved this year to the deck of the Tiki Bar Bring an instrument and take your place and play.Bob Jones
300 Hodges Street (Village Gallery) * 11a – Noon, 2:15-3p
Bob plays acoustic guitar and performs a mix of classic country, soft rock, and blues. His musical tastes include Willie Nelson, John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, the Eagles. Bob is often accompanied by his family & friends.Bob Jones. (Photo: TownDock.net)Mac McWilliams
411 Broad Street * 11a-3p
Returning to the OFPMF this year is Mac McWilliams, a Texas native and veteran of several Oriental-area bands. Mac plays Texas blues, alternative country, swing and Americana and has an eclectic mix of song choices to showcase those styles. www.reverbnation.com/macmcwilliams
Mac McWilliams. (Photo: TownDock.net)MIXX
204 King Street * 11:30a-1p
Buddy Rice and Jim Stark are an acoustical guitar duo. They play classic rock by such greats as the Beatles and the Eagles. Jim holds down lead vocals and rhythm guitar while Buddy sings and plays led guitar. Over the years they’ve played with several groups.Moore’s Creek Bluegrass
209 Neuse Street * 1-2:30p
This Merritt-based quartet got together to play traditional gospel and bluegrass. Moore’s Creek Bluegrass features Gary Goodwin on upright bass, Jeff Davis on mandolin, Mitch Mitchell on banjo and Shane Harris on guitar.Moore’s Creek Bluegrass, from Merritt.Mt. Zion Choir
704 Broad Street (Mariner Realty) * 11a-Noon
This choir from Arapahoe performs at various churches. This is their first time singing for the general public.Ol’ Store Stories with Mary-Clyde Dunn
502 Hodges (Old Hotel) * 11a
Mary-Clyde Dunn, daughter of Ol’ Store owners Lucille and Billy Truitt, will tell stories of the Ol’ Store, the people who came there, and the events that happened there.Paradise Band
701 South Avenue * 12Noon-2p
This group is newly-formed but features very seasoned musicians: new to Oriental, Bob Barnett plays bass and sings; familiar to most is Bob Laverty on guitar and vocals, and Mike Ferrara on drums. They will be playing a variety of 50’s and 60’s music to accompany the theme of the Car Show.George Perry
304 Hodges Street (The Bean picnic bench) * 11:30-12:30p
With dancing wooden men, George presents a program of interest to all ages.Salt Water Gold & Shedbelly
301 Freemason Street (Cartwright House) * Noon-3p
Salt Water Gold is an Oriental based dance band that has the rare ability to entertain listeners of all ages. They play “feel good” music that spans the decades. Members are Chris Daniels (guitar & vocals), Mark Hoff (lead vocals), Henry Cox (percussion & vocals), Bob Stratton (guitar) and Eric Pittman (bass). Their music of choice ranges from R&B to reggae style rock.Shedbelly is a local underground bluegrass-style duo with a folk feel. Shedbelly members include Henry Cox (guitar & vocals) and Frank Bacon (mandolin, guitar, vocals). Don’t be surprised if other musicians sit-in to enjoy the momentum of these guys.
Salty Paws
304 Hodges Street (The Bean) * 1-2:30p
Bentley Smith and Jim Austin are an acoustic duo living aboard their catamaran, sailing and singing sea chanties and a variety of other songs along the Atlantic Eastern Seaboard. Having had such a good time at last year’s festival, they sailed back to Oriental just to be in the festival again this year. https://saltypaws.bandcamp.com
Jim Austin and Bentley Smith of Salty Paws at the 2014 OFPMF. (Photo: TownDock.net)Gary Shelton, Magician
Magic Show at Old Theater * 12-12:30p
Strolling Magician All Around The Festival * 12:45 – 1:45p
Twisted Balloon Critters * 2-3p
Comedy Magician Gary Shelton has been making audiences laugh since the late 70s. His humor is Southern flavored and family friendly; equally comfortable on a comedy club stage or at a church fellowship hall. His act brings out the wonder and laughter in audiences of any age, from national TV to small town venues.Ed Terry 205 South Water Street (M&M’s) * 12Noon – 2p
Retired airline pilot turned Renaissance cowboy, Ed and his wife operate the County Opry, a gathering spot for the community every Saturday night. http://www.edterrymusic.comThree Rivers Band
507 Church Street (Town Hall) * 11a-12p
A bluegrass country band from the Wilmington area who, in the last 6 months, have played the Pamlico Community College Bluegrass Festival, the Core Creek Festival, and the White Oak Festival.The UHOOs 204 Wall Street (Marsha’s Cottage) * 11a-Noon
The Ukulele Hoaloahs of Oriental — UHOOs – have been playing together for almost 2 years and boast as many as 30 members. It’s a stress-reducing bunch who have been heard strumming their ukes and singing bluegrassy folk tunes at the 2014 OFPMF, The Oriental Boat Show, Oriental Farmers’ Market, Heartworks, Oriental History Museum, among other places. To spread the sound of the ukes, UHOOs last year raised money to buy the Hawaiian instruments for 5th graders at Fred Anderson Elementary and joined them for their end of school year performance this year.Wide Open Mike Roberts
507 Broad Street * 11a-Noon
Wide Open Mike’s been playing guitar for two decades and brings a selection of 70’s and 80’s tunes to this year’s OFPMF.Your Name Here
103 Wall Street – Tiki Bar Deck * 11a-3p
Just another reminder that we have an expanded space this year for the jamming. Bring an instrument and play at the Tiki Bar, Plenty of room for you to join in.Wait, there’s more…..After walking to the many porches, come on down to the river and set awhile for a few hours of more great rootsy music at one last porch stage. Starting at 3:30, the Carmonas will be performing first, followed by Laurelyn Dosset.
The CarmonasGrowing up in a military family of 8, the Carmonas moved often – NC being one of their stops. Along the way, they picked up a number of musical influences – bluegrass, folk, rock – which you can hear on October 17 when two of the Carmona brothers and their band will be playing on the concert porch stage at the OFPMF.
The Carmonas.With a fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and upright bass, you might expect a traditional bluegrass sound. You will hear the roots, but The Carmonas are not root-bound in any one tradition. The band taps into a wide range of musical styles and adds song crafting, strong vocal choruses and ear-grabbing harmonies.
The Carmonas have performed across the country – New York to Nashville, California to the Dakotas — and have shared the stage with Emmy Lou Harris, Marty Stuart, Dale Ann Bradley, Band of Heathens, and the Blind Boys of Alabama among others. They have also toured Europe, South and Central America, and the Middle East and are currently promoting their recently released first full length studio album “The Carmonas”, the follow-up to their debut EP, “Oh, Alice“.
Laurelyn DossettReknowned singer and songwriter from Greensboro will be the final act of the day. In her songs you’ll hear stories of the region, both traditional and contemporary. A frequent performer at regional music festivals such as Merlefest as well as on Prairie Home Companion, Laurelyn co-founded Polecat Creek with singing partner Kari Sickenberger in 1997 and has toured with folk legend Alice Gerrard and songwriter Diana Jones, and premiered composer Kenneth Frazelle’s song cycle, “Songs in the Rear View Mirror”, in 2010, and has toured with the North Carolina Symphony.
Laurelyn DossettIn recent years Laurelyn has worked with Triad Stage’s Preston Lane on five plays featuring regional folklore and original music: Brother Wolf, Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity, Bloody Blackbeard , Providence Gap, and Snow Queen. An adaptation of Bloody Blackbeard toured NC schools in 2009, and both Brother Wolf and Beautiful Star have gone on to have professional productions in cities across the country. A song from Brother Wolf, “Anna Lee,” was featured on Levon Helm’s Grammy-winning record, Dirt Farmer, is included in the documentary film about Helm’s life, called “Ain’t in it for my Health,” and is featured on the 2011 Grammy-winning CD, Levon Helm’s “Ramble at the Ryman.”
in 2011, Dossett and the NC Symphony premiered her new song cycle, “The Gathering: A Winter’s Tale in Six Songs,. She performed with singer and fiddler Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, legendary Nashville mandolinist Mike Compton, and NC’s own banjo virtuoso, Joe Newberry. The accompanying cd, “The Gathering,” was released to critical acclaim, including top holiday picks from the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, and USA Today.
Laurelyn and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain released a collaborative CD, “The Collide.” She also received an NEA grant to write a new play with Preston Lane. Her song “Leaving Eden” is the title track of the Grammy-nominated recent release by the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Laurelyn has taught songwriting and singing at many universities, workshops and festivals. She is the 2012 recipient of the Betty Cone Medal of Arts, the 2010 recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship for songwriting, 2004 winner of the Chris Austin songwriting contest at Merlefest, and a 2010 fellow at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts.
