PHOTOS: First Plaza Jam concert is Smokin’ Hot

ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County residents were shagging in Cole Plaza as Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot fired up the Plaza Jam summer concert series Thursday evening.

The band’s set list included several Beach Music hits as well as a tribute to horn-heavy bands Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago.

They were even joined on stage by Warren McDonald of the band Classic Soul for a rendition of the Catalinas’ “Summertime’s Calling Me.”

City Events Coordinator Kim Williams said she was pleased with the turnout — and the weather — for the first concert of the 2024 season, the second consecutive year for the band.

The next band to take the stage will be Chocolate Chip & Company, making their third consecutive appearance at Plaza Jam.

North Tower Band returns on July 3, followed by Too Much Sylvia on Aug. 1 for their first show in the series since 2019.

The Tams are scheduled for their 21st consecutive Plaza Jam concert on Sept. 5 and the Embers will return to close out the season Oct. 3.

See more photos of the May 2 show below and at visitrichmondcounty.com.