It's More Than Fighting for the Chair
When playing Musical Chairs, things can get a little hectic. The music’s blaring, people eye each other with aggressive anticipation, bodies fly when the blaring ceases. Eventually, the referee throws a thumb over his shoulder for the unlucky soul who ended up in someone’s lap rather than the chair. “Out,” he says. And the wild battle begins again.
If you’re like me, that doesn’t sound like the ideal way to spend your Friday evening. But 4th Fridays in Burlington knows how to make Musical Chairs inclusive for all, utilizing food trucks, local bands, and local businesses / organizations to keep the game going for as long as it takes to make everyone feel like a winner.
Musical Chairs is a county-wide series that rotates every Friday from Graham, Burlington, Mebane, back to Burlington with the occasional addition of Alamance Arts. Local bands of various genres have a chance to make their name famous in Alamance County from 7-9 pm, and this time, the chance became available for Graymatter during Burlington’s 4th Fridays event at the historic depot.
The crowds were tame for the time being as we ambled under the shade of the trees and approached the music of Love and Valor, conveniently set up beside the Carolina Brewery vendor. Citizens from all walks of life sat around the depot statue or saunter from group to group with their beverage in hand, catching up with both old friends and new acquaintances.
That’s the thing. Most of the time it’s hard to find a soul when you’re looking for the company, but when you least expect it, the people you were looking for seem to gravitate out of the past.
We made our way to the depot where a table displayed many items from tank tops to homemade jewelry. Chelsea Dickey smiled at everyone who passed and was eager to talk about her business located across the street from the depot, Southern Glen. This artisan boutique is a great place to search locally, with vintage and environmental conscious products for everyone. Of course, I had to get a tank top with Burlington written in the state frame.
The crowd thickened behind the depot. Families stretched out on blankets and claimed picnic tables where they could enjoy food from the many food trucks that lined the depot’s backyard. Another musical group entertained this fresh space, and children bounced off each other’s shoulders as they waited their turn for a wild balloon animal to trump the ones of their imagination. The local animal shelter also made an appearance with some of their furry friends because Musical Chairs aims to benefit the whole community.
Graymatter took the stage after opening performances scattered about the depot, gracing our ears with acoustic rock. The best part about their performance wasn’t the music, though—it was their ties to the community. Every other conversation with local friends brought up a name of one of the band members and what they’ve contributed to a friendship.
Musical Chairs isn’t just about promoting area arts, even though it helps in showing Alamance Arts’ dedication to what the series has to offer. It also promotes unity within the community, providing a place for people to get to know the town and the artisans within it. Did you attend Musical Chairs at 4th Fridays this past week? Share with us your pictures from the event, and remember to come out this Friday, July 31st at the Captain White House for a Musical Chairs performance by West End Mambo! Classic Salsa / Latin Jazz in the Captain White House parking lot from 7-9 pm.
Love & Valor