On Wednesday, April 14th, patrons gathered in the Baddour Garden outside the Wayne County Public Library to the sounds of a smooth saxophone. Thanks to support from the Arts Council of Wayne County, the library launched its first Live on the Lawn event, which is a series of free spring concerts featuring live, local musicians. Over 30 Goldsboro residents attended the event, bringing food and snacks as well as picnic blankets. The series will be held every other Wednesday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the Goldsboro Library’s Baddour Garden, which is next to the library’s auditorium.
“The library is pleased to have been awarded a Grassroots Arts Project Grant and appreciates the opportunity to support local artist while providing citizens with a cultural art experience. Integrating the arts into day-to-day life enriches the community. Events such as Live on the Lawn help the library to fulfill its mission to bring people together to explore, discover, and connect,” said Donna Phillips, Director of the Wayne County Public Library.
While the library provides seating, Goldsboro residents are invited to bring their lunch, chairs, and picnic blankets. This program was created out of the library’s desire to give the community a way to interact safely while relaxing and enjoying the arts. “It put me in such a good mood!” said Jessica Cole, who shared photos on her Instagram. “I brought my lunch and had a picnic.”
With Live on the Lawn, the library hopes to bring more local musicians into the spotlight. The first musician to play in the series was saxophonist Scott McConnaughey. Other artists scheduled to play include Jimmy Deve (4/28), Portela Brothers (5/12), T.Davis (6/9), and there are more yet to be announced. Well behaved, leashed pets are allowed.
Live on the Lawn is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org.
