Rowan enjoys a Night Out downtown
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 1, 2009
By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
Linda Jones, executive director of the Salisbury Symphony, referred to the event she was hosting Friday evening on North Main Street as a “musical petting zoo.”
Under a booth just a few feet away from North Main’s intersection with Innes Street, Jones was offering children ó adults, too, if they were so inclined ó to take a stab at playing a violin, flute or French horn.
“We’re just encouraging people to try it,” she said. “How often do you get the chance to play one of these instruments?”
The musical interlude was part of ’80s Night Out, an event held from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout the downtown streets. A good number of people turned out for the grand event, taking advantage of free refreshment, trolley rides, entertainment and all the quaint and personable shops that make downtown Salisbury the hub of activity it is.
A show of classic cars was held at the Farmers Market lot. All the fun was sponsored by Downtown Salisbury Inc.
Jones said she and others involved with the Salisbury Symphony stage the musical petting zoo just about every time Downtown Salisbury hosts a night out. Turnout is always good, she said, and people who otherwise wouldn’t know a tuba from a turnip are given an introduction to wonderful world of music.
“We’ve gotten people to sign up for classes,” Jones said of those who have taken their first stabs at playing an instrument while standing on the downtown streets.
Then she paused to take a gander at the masses strolling past.
“I love it,” Jones said of the Night Out event. “It just gets better all the time.”
Up the road a ways, across Innes on South Main Street, Scott Julian was manning a booth where Paws in the Park was being advertised. Paws in the Park is held Sept. 26 at Knox Middle School.
Julian had his 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Linus, on display at his booth, the dog stretched out on a table, offering free pets to any and all.
“He’s a laid-back dog,” Julian admitted.
Scott Leeper and Matt McDowell were dressed Friday in their medieval best, roaming the streets of Salisbury as they advertised the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival held the weekends of Oct. 10 through Nov. 22 outside Julian.
Leeper and McDowell would break into song whenever the urge ó or an audience willing to listen to their efforts ó overcame them.
“We sing badly,” Leeper admitted.
“And tell bad jokes,” McDowell continued.