Each January, the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association hosts the Don Skinner Guitarfest at the Turnage Theatre. This year’s event will be held on Jan. 5, and is sponsored by Beaufort County Traditional Music Association and co-sponsored by Arts of the Pamlico.

This year the BCTMA is using the Guitarfest event to raise additional funding support for people still suffering from the damages of Hurricane Florence, with specific focus on the New Bern area. Unfortunately, people quickly forget about those hurt by these hurricanes. The event will make sure that this doesn’t happen this time.

In support and admiration for the people of New Bern, the BCTMA is featuring a line-up of bands composed of New Bern residents:

4 – 4:50 p.m., The Neuse River Ramblers

The Neuse River Ramblers add a touch of bluegrass flavor to traditional and contemporary tunes with guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and electric bass.

5:10 – 6 p.m., Hot Buttered Grits

Hot Buttered Grits is an improvisational acoustic/electric band from the New Bern area.

6:20 – 7:10 p.m., Peace Soldier

Peace Soldier is six rockin’ guys who love playing mostly rock and blues music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

7:40 – 8:30 p.m., Strung Together Band

Strung Together is a family band, born on George and Dare Oliver’s front porch in downtown New Bern.

Admission is free and donations are appreciated. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale. Guitar fans are invited to come and enjoy an exciting variety of music by some of the best musicians from the New Bern area. Come and go as you wish or stay for the whole show. Don’t miss this fun, family friendly event.

Every year Guitarfest showcases some of the most popular guitar acts and vocalists in eastern North Carolina. It is held each year in the memory of Don Skinner, a fine musician who was a long-time member of BCTMA.

The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association is a grass roots nonprofit organization that promotes the performance and enjoyment of traditional music in eastern NC. Thanks to the assistance and oversight of Arts of the Pamlico, BCTMA has grown into an active group of musicians and supporters dedicated to the nurturing and sharing of their love of traditional music. The group holds open jams on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. For more information, visit www.bctma.org.

Debra Torrence is the executive director of Arts of the Pamlico.