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Independence Day Celebration Tonight!

Posted: 6 years, 4 months ago

Too Much Sylvia Plays in Valdese for Independence Day Celebration on June 29^th.

Valdese, NC – June 25, 2018 – Valdese celebrates Independence Day with the sounds of the Too Much Sylvia beginning at 7:00pm on Friday June 29, 2018. Myra’s will host their car show with over 100 antique and classic cars lining Main Street as Main Street closes at 5:15pm. “This is one of our favorite events and it continues to grow and grow” states Morrissa Angi, Town of Valdese Community Affairs Director. “Each year Valdese celebrates Independence Day in conjunction with our Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series and the event is the perfect venue for family and friends to come together to celebrate our country’s independence.” 

The celebration will kick off by a welcome from Valdese Mayor Black at 6:45pm followed by the presentation of colors by the Valdese American Legion followed by the National Anthem. Valdese welcomes Kristy Poteat and Katie Franklin both raised in the Valdese community to sing the National Anthem during the opening ceremony. They attend First Baptist Valdese and serve in the praise worship band and choir.

Valdese favorite variety band, Too Much Sylvia will take the stage at 7pm with great music that is sure to bring the crowd to their feet. Back by popular demand, Too Much Sylvia continues in their long tradition of offering the MOST variety of music. The ultimate in musical variety in a tradition of excellence sums up TOO MUCH SYLVIA, a group of entertainers who have quickly become a Carolina favorite. Rick Lee, Ed Howie, Steve Long and Lee Kelley combine their talents to form a classy four member show and dance act that features a diverse repertoire appealing to every musical taste. Their musical menu includes the best of the 50's and 60's oldies and classic rock, 70's disco, Carolina beach and today’s hot Top 40 dance tunes. This is flavored with pop country, rhythm & blues and standards. Vocals are also a strong suit with each of the four accomplished entertainers being lead vocalists who blend together in tight vocal harmonies. With the desire to please and play something that everyone will enjoy, the boy's fun and contagious personalities will touch everyone. They love to entertain and play only the hits from yesterday to today.

RICK LEE - Keyboards and Vocals - Rick’s passion for playing and entertaining is quickly obvious. With a knack for the flow of the event, he paces the evening accordingly. Rick will be your contact and is very accessible. Understanding different needs of the buyers, he will listen to your ideas and offer suggestions. Hard to beat experience, and from his time in TOO MUCH SYLVIA and prior band, SUGARCREEK, there is plenty to draw from.

STEVE LONG - Guitar and Vocals - Steve's vocal range and various styles have become a 2MS trademark.  His guitar adds edge and cut to 2MS's tight rhythm section. From their dinner sets to Motown, of course the 70’s & 80's and into today’s music from Pharrell to Maroon 5, Steve adapts, flawlessly. Prior bands include, DIAMONDS, STRATUS & THE VANDALS. Steve, also plays with SUGARCREEK, on their reunion gigs.

EDDY HOWIE - Bass guitar & Vocals - The moment you hear the first note from Eddy’s high, crystal clear voice, will make you a fan and appreciative of his talent. The fun-loving antics and his charisma are not only UN-deniable but also contagious. Very solid, sounding bass groove only adds to Don’s (the drummer) infectious beat. Onstage, Eddy is the glue. He played with SUGARCREEK and also spent some time with THE FANTASTIC SHAKERS!

DON LEONARD - Drums - Don’s has that natural “feel” to keep the dancers, dancing and the listeners, grooving! Quick to flash a smile, is a genuine trait of his that rubs off on the band, the music and the crowd. You can’t help but watch, Don! He’s been with 2MS since January of 2000 and previous band stops include: CAPTAIN COOK & THE COCONUTS, THE POOR SOULS and national recording artists, THE OUTLAWS!

Amusement rides will be featured at the event this year, located on the hill at Faet Street across from the Valdese Fire Department. Seven different rides including Spinner; Tubs of Fun; Kiddie Wheel; Kiddie Swing; Inflatable Slide and Bounce House combo will be offered for all ages. Rides will range from 3-4 tickets per ride and are $1 each, 50 for $40, 25 for $20, 12 for $10. There will also be a game trailer this year. A $2 off coupon can be found on the Town of Valdese’s Facebook page.

Valdese famous Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30pm (dependent on weather conditions). Regarded as one of the most impressive fireworks display in the area, the Town of Valdese sponsors this Independence Day Celebration with fireworks that burst at a lower altitude which allows for a more brilliant presentation and fireworks that contain a variety of swirls and explosions. The evening will conclude with the Too Much Sylvia returning to the stage and providing another hour of great dancing music.

Valdese Family Friday Nights & Independence Day Celebration is sponsored by the Town of Valdese. For more information about the Town of Valdese and upcoming events go to visitvaldese.com or call 888-Valdese.