First Friday in Manteo kicks off the 2019 season today

The Dare County Arts Council hosts the kick off of First Friday in Manteo, a monthly event sponsored by the Town of Manteo, as the 2019 season launches on Friday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m. with a musical performance by Rachel Dickerson and a new exhibit by Outer Banks photographer George Wood.

In addition, sixteen mystery writers will participate in a talk, reading, and reception at the Dare County Arts Council on April 5 as part of the season’s kickoff session of First Friday in Manteo.

The writers are members of the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. The reception for April First Friday will be co-hosted by Downtown Books and the Dare County Arts Council.

Joseph L.S. Terrell

Author Maggie Toussaint, immediate past president of the Southeast Mystery Writers, said, “We are excited to have another retreat at the lovely Outer Banks. This is our third visit here and will once again be a productive and inspirational week for us.”

Local mystery writer Joseph L.S. Terrell, who will be participating in the retreat, said, “We are so grateful for the hospitality shown us by the Dare County Arts Council and Downtown Books.”

The Life of Trees Among Us, a new photography exhibit, also makes its debut on April 5. This special exhibit is a collaboration of media including photography by George H. Wood, wood furniture craft by Larry Bray, and handmade paper by Hiromi Niyodo Kozo. Dr. Bruce Frazier, Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Commercial and Electronic Music, retired 2018, is also writing music expressly for the exhibit’s opening reception.

The show will feature six large images printed on handmade paper accompanied by handmade furniture. The intention is to provide multiple avenues for interaction with the theme of the event while providing a mental oasis where one can safely explore and reflect on our relationship with the incredible world in which we live.

First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival held the first Friday of each month, April through November from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Manteo along the Waterfront.

Each month on First Friday, Dare County Arts Council hosts new art exhibits, with musical guests performing at the DCAC Gallery. Local shops and restaurants in Manteo have extended hours and also feature special shows, sales and performances. First Friday is open to the public, free of charge. The public, visitors and guests, are encouraged to attend.

2019 First Friday Music Schedule – Courthouse Stage
All performances 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

April 5 – Rachel Dickerson
May 3 – Jonny Waters & Co.
June 7 – Dare County Schools Music Night
July 5 – The Ramble
August 2 – Mojo Collins and Triple Vision
September 6 – Seagrass
October 4 – Gorillas and the Miss
November 1 – The Wilder Brothers
December 6 – Manteo Tree Lighting Ceremony

Additional performers and locations for First Friday music will be announced prior to each event.

First Friday 2018 is sponsored by Atlantic Elevators, Manteo Rotary Club, Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Ace Hardware, The White Doe Inn and Holiday House Weddings. For more information about First Friday on Roanoke Island, please visit DareArts.org/firstfriday or call (252) 473-5558.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.

.