ROCKINGHAM — The opening concert of the 2026 Rockingham Plaza Jam Series featuring The Embers with Craig Woolard has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 21, due to rain.
The annual concert series brings free live entertainment to Richmond County on the first Thursday of each month from May through October. Concerts are held at Cole Plaza beside Rockingham City Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This year’s lineup includes:
• May 21 — 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 continued a musical tradition dating back to 1958 and are widely recognized for their signature song, “I Love Beach Music.”
The group is credited with helping establish the foundation of beach music throughout 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, Woolard 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 concerts. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.