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Rhythm & Brews volunteers honored

Mike Hall, Babs Newton and Ralph Freeman were honored for their work coordinating the city's Rhythm & Brews Concert Series.

Three founding volunteers who helped create the city's wildly successful Rhythm & Brews Concert Series were honored recently at the North Carolina Main Street Conference with the Main Street Champion Award.

The state organization that promotes downtown revitalization recognized Babs Newton, Mike Hall and Ralph Freeman for "their creative problem solving and unfailing adaptability" that "safely carried the event through its first year of four concerts and 14,000 total attendees into its second year of five concerts and approximately 20,000 total attendees," a citation said. "Whether it was in planning or executing the event, these three champions consistently delivered the energy for launching and sustaining a wildly popular community event."

"So the next time you're enjoying Rhythm & Brews, and we do hope you will, take a moment to thank a volunteer," Downtown Development Director Lew Holloway said. "It wouldn't be at all unlikely that you'll run into Babs, Mike or Ralph driving stakes for protective fencing, keeping the over 100 volunteers and contractors hydrated, checking banners for the stage or engaged in the always underappreciated task of cleaning up. Whatever it takes to bring this fun event to Hendersonville, this crew has got it!"

The first concert of the 2015 season is scheduled for May 21st and features "The Allen Thompson Band" as headliner with Emily Bodley in the singer songwriter slot and Gary Seagle opening. The music starts at 5 p.m. with Allen Thompson on at 7. Additional information about the 2015 Rhythm & Brews Concert Series, other downtown events and/or opportunities to volunteer with this great organization can be found on the Historic Downtown Hendersonville webpage at DowntownHendersonville.org or by calling 828.233.3205.