Friedrich Nietzsche once said “Without music, life would be a mistake.”

Arts of the Pamlico has a blossoming schedule of music on the horizon. Nearly every genre will be touched on over the next several months.

Stoeckert, James and Adams will perform on April 26 in the Turnage Gallery. These local musicians have performed at Arts of the Pamlico, Beaufort County Traditional Music Association events, the annual Guitar Festival, as well as many local clubs and bars. The band draws its material from contemporary blues, classic rock and acoustic variations, as well as alternative country. Strong emphasis has been placed on three-part harmony structures. Wayne Stoeckert started playing guitar at age 13 and professionally at 16. During the ’70s he toured with Fatt Rabbitt, performing bass guitar and lead vocals. After recording at Mercury Studios in Nashville, he headed home to Buffalo, New York. Returning to lead guitar and vocals, he continued to play professionally with several popular local groups. He moved to the Washington area, full time, six years ago. Patrick James has been playing drums and percussion since childhood. His former musical career was rooted in country music, opening for such acts as Diamond Rio, Restless Heart and others. Since joining Wayne and Butch Adams, he has developed a love of the blues, classic rock and the subtitles of acoustic presentations. He lives in Goldsboro. Butch Adams played bass professionally from the late ’60s through the ’70s with many local bands based out of Vanceboro. His soft tenor vocals are always present on harmony or lead. Employing the fretless bass in the acoustic show, his style brings added depth and flavor. He is a systems technician for a local business and now resides in Greenville.

On April 27, the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will host the 11^th-annual BoCO Music Festival from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Turnage Theatre. There will be free, fun music all day and evening for the whole family. John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff is the rockabilly country headliner band. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale. The festival is co-sponsored by Arts of the Pamlico. Donations made during the festival will go to our “Raise the Roof” campaign for the Turnage Theatre. Come enjoy the whole day or just stay for a few events. Don’t miss this good time!

AOP is also starting a summer music concert series. “Sundays in the Park” begins May 5 at Festival Park in downtown Washington, with Squier Red and the Blues Band. Other acts scheduled to appear include: June 16, Emerald City Big Band; July 21, Smokehouse; Aug. 18, Guitars & Friends; Sept. 8, Rural Route Romance. All concerts are from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The concerts are free, with donations appreciated. Should inclement weather occur on the day of the concert, the concert will be cancelled. Sponsors include Moss Landing Harbor Homes, Beaufort County Government and WCTI-TV. Bring a blanket or chair and picnics! Boaters are encouraged to pull up and enjoy the music as well. Pets on leashes are welcome.

Broadway on the Big Screen this month is a musical. These professional-quality theatrical productions are on the big screen at the historic Turnage Theatre each month. Join us on April 28; AOP is pleased to bring one of the most beloved musicals to our patrons, “The King and I.” Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher, who the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

AOP’s historic Turnage Theatre is located at 150 W. Main St. in Washington. To learn more about these event or future events, please visit AOP’s website at www.artsofthepamlico.org.

Looking for arts and cultural close to home? Art Beat, from the team at the Arts of the Pamlico to learn about arts and cultural programming offered in Beaufort County is an opportunity to learn about arts activities in your own backyard.

Written by Debra Torrence, Arts of the Pamlico’s executive director, and Crystal Holman, weekend coordinator.