Family Friday Nights: Smitty & The Jumpstarters on July 31, 2026, 7 p.m.

July 31 – Smitty & The Jumpstarters (Swing)

Who are Smitty & The Jumpstarters? Based out of Greensboro, NC, the band features upbeat songs that get your feet moving. Their music pulls styles from the roots of Rock & Roll and R&B, including West Coast Swing, Chicago Blues, Memphis Rockabilly, Elvis and a dose of Chuck Berry. This is the music the Stones, Beatles and Allman Brothers were listening to and playing at the start of their careers. The JumpStarters take songs from 1945-1965 and give them a new twist. The common thread is it makes you move. It could be shuffling your feet or full on dancing; this music makes you move. The Band started in 2015 and features Bryan Smith on Vocals and Guitar, Steve Blake on Saxophone, Doug Dennis on Bass and Roy Brown on Drums. The JumpStarters have played swing dances, clubs and festivals across the Carolinas, including performances at MerleFest in 2018 and 2021. These music veterans are ready to introduce this style to a whole new generation. So bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to Shake Yo’ Shimmy.

The FFN Summer Concert Series returns Friday, June 5 and will run each Friday night through August 8. Concerts begin at 7pm and are held on Temple Field behind the Old Rock School (400 Main Street West - Valdese, NC). The night of entertainment concludes at 10pm.

This season will feature a wide variety of FREE music for the community to enjoy from beach to variety, to rock to country. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and a friend to enjoy live music, lawn games, and great eats.