LOCAL HAPPENINGS: So many shows and events as summer winds down

Lee Ward & the Southern Express at Sunset on Aug. 21

ASHEBORO — Friday Night Bluegrass presents Lee Ward & the Southern Express on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro. 

The band consists of Lee Ward on guitar and lead vocals. Lee helped found Southern Express in 1978, but he’s also played with numerous bluegrass groups throughout the Carolinas for the past 40+ years. 

Mike Benton is on mandolin and lead-tenor vocals. Mike has played various styles of music over the span of his life and earned his music degree from Appalachian State University. A charter member, Mike re-joined Southern Express in 1988. 

Donnie Gulledge plays banjo and baritone vocals. Donnie has played banjo since 1968, performing with several regional bluegrass groups. Donnie joined Southern Express in 2012. 

Brian Hinson plays bass guitar and baritone-lead vocals. Brian started playing music at the age of 16. He began playing music at the age of 16. He began playing bass in 1988 when he and a few friends started Common Ground Band. Brian joined Southern Express in 2015. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered in advance online at sunsettheatre.org, purchased in advance at the Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services Office at 241 Sunset Ave., Asheboro (located across the street from Sunset Theatre), or purchased at the door beginning an hour before showtime. Doors open at 6 p.m.

THIS WEEK

Starworks hosts another special HGCB summer event

STAR — Starworks is bringing back its popular Hot Glass, Cold Beer series for a special summer edition on Thursday, Aug. 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This family-friendly evening invites guests to experience the artistry of glass in a new way with live flameworking demonstrations, local music, barbecue, craft beverages and a relaxed summer atmosphere. The schedule: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nicholas Christensen flameworking event; 5:30 to 7 p.m., Dinner, Joe Grant barbecue plates for $15; 7 to 9 p.m., live music by Jamie Trout. Cost is a $5 donation. The Starworks Cafe is also open through the night.

Summer’s last Eastern Randolph Farmers market Aug. 15

RAMSEUR — A monthly summer event that includes a farmers market in Ramseur returns Aug. 15 to Millstone Creek Orchards at 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road in Ramseur. The free event includes fresh produce and food items, handmade crafts, an outdoor adventure, plus optional u-pick fruit and other options at Millstone Creek Orchards, like live music, fishing, picnic opportunities, a kids playground and more.

UPCOMING

Arm yourself with knowledge to avoid scammers

Two HELPS events are scheduled in the next week to help citizens, particularly elderly ones, from being scammed in the many ways available to the unscrupulous these days. Put on by the Randolph Sheriff’s Department and the Randolph County Public Libraries, there’s no cost to attend. Programs are set for these dates:

■ Monday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m., Randleman Senior Center, 144 W. Academy St. 

■ Thursday, Aug. 20, 2 p.m., Asheboro Public Library, 201 Worth St.

Randleman closes out busy summer with the Tonez

RANDLEMAN — Randleman’s final Market & Music Concert Series in the downtown Commerce Square location will happen on Friday, Aug. 21. Vendors and food trucks arrive for a 5 p.m. start, and Tonez will be the musical guest and hit the stage from 7 to 10 p.m., ending a busy summer of eight such events.

Comedian Killer Beaz visits Sunset Theatre Aug. 22

ASHEBORO — Nationally known comedian Killer Beaz will bring his clean comedy humor to the Sunset Series stage on Saturday, Aug. 22, in a reschedule from an event postponed in February. He made a name for himself on the TV series “The Moonshiners,” which lasted 10 years on the Discovery Channel. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $28.50 or $58.50 for a Meet and Greet. 

Liberty Showcase Theater offers ‘The Statler Experience’

LIBERTY — Statler Brothers relatives are checking in from everywhere and heading to Liberty on Saturday, Aug. 22, for “The Statler Experience” at Liberty Showcase Theatre. Children and grandchildren of the Statler Brothers will put on a family-friendly, high-energy show featuring the Statler Brothers hits interwoven with family stories, laughter, audience participation and more. Tickets range from $39 to $79. 

Next cruising of Fayetteville Street is coming up

ASHEBORO — The monthly Asheboro Cruise-In series takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the parking lot of C4 Church in Asheboro. Food, a cruise-in and actual cruising are all part of the free event held from 6 to 10 p.m.