Staff report
A generous, last-minute gift from an anonymous benefactor, added to funds raised previously, has made it possible for the Rowan Blues and Jazz festival to offer free admission once again this year.
It had been announced that an admission charge would be necessary this year to cover the considerable costs of producing the event, which is held annually in Downtown Salisbury, at the corner of South Church and West Fisher streets.
Since the event is also a fundraiser for Relay for Life, festival organizers are requesting that those attending make donations. People who purchased tickets in advance may request a refund or consider the purchase a Relay for Life contribution.
Rowan Blues and Jazz Society founder and director Eleanor Qadirah stresses that this announcement applies to this year’s festival only and does not mean the annual festival will continue to be free in the future.
The Friday night “Meet the Musicians” event at Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., will be free also, but with limited seating.
With a possibility of rain in the forecast for Saturday, festival organizers are arranging alternate indoor locations, which will be announced if needed.
For more information, visit www.rowanbluesandjazz.org.