ROCKINGHAM — The 2026 Rockingham Plaza Jam Series is set to return next week, bringing free live entertainment to Richmond County on the first Thursday of each month from May through October.
Concerts will be held at Cole Plaza, next to Rockingham City Hall, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the season kicking off May 7.
This year’s lineup includes:
• May 7 — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
• June 4 — Chocolate Chip & Company
• July 2 — Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
• Aug. 6 — BlackWater Band (previously Rhythm Band)
• Sept. 3 — The Tams
• Oct. 1 — Too Much Sylvia
Opening the series, The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard, have carried on a musical tradition since 1958 and are widely known for their signature song, “I Love Beach Music.”
The group is credited with helping establish the foundation of what is now recognized as beach music across the Carolinas, Virginia and the Gulf Coast region.
Woolard, the band’s lead vocalist, has performed for presidents, governors and ambassadors. He has also co-hosted the Carolina Beach Music Awards for the past decade at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach. In 2011, he was inducted into the CBMA Hall of Fame and has received the organization’s Male Vocalist of the Year award 19 times. In 2020, he was named Entertainer of the Year, the group’s highest honor.
In addition to live music, AmVets and Sunset Slush Classic Italian Ice will be set up in the parking lot of Leath Memorial Library during the events. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
The Plaza Jam Series is sponsored by TRG Sign Company, Dieffenbach GM Superstore, Richmond County Tourism, Fidelity Bank – Right by You, Tina Miller of State Farm, and the City of Rockingham.