Showers don’t dampen Atlantic One fun in the Valley

ROANOKE RAPIDS —Though early afternoon rain showers threatened to put a damper on the festivities, performers and crowd members alike took the adage “The show must go on,” to heart Saturday, braving the inclement weather to take part in the 2009 Stimulus Festival at the Atlantic One Amphitheater at Carolina Crossroads.

As the crowd took shelter under tents, the clouds parted just in time for hard rocking locals Shiloh to take the stage. The Rocky Mount and Wilson based group had the sparse but enthusiastic crowd on their feet at the foot of the stage throughout their performance, which consisted of self-penned material influenced by legendary acts such as Guns ‘N’ Roses and Metallica, mixing together elements from punk, metal and reggae.

As the band played, Rocky Mount natives Paula and Mike Murphy waved their fists in the air and bobbed their heads. “We’ve been listening to these guys for a couple of years,” said Mike. “They’re local boys, so we came out to show them some love.”

With the rain on standby, the temperature rose quickly. Local vendors, from Clem’s Grand Ballroom to the Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids, kept up a steady business of ice-cold soft drink and juice sells, while Browning’s Grill served up hot dogs and hamburgers.

Following Shiloh’s set, rapper Jhonte took the stage to perform his hit, “Red Monkey Jeans,” much to the excitement of a group of young girls crowded around the lip of the stage.

After his short set, Jhonte introduced the Dirty Boys, a local R&B act, who got some of the older crowd members dancing on the lawn.

Weldon residents Angie Broadnax and her sister, Thelma Harris, sipped cold drinks and swayed with the music as their husbands fanned themselves beneath a tent. “It’s hot but we came to have a good time,” said Harris, who stated she came out to see 80s funk innovators Zapp, who would be performing later in the day.

“We need to get more people out here,” said Broadnax, turning to her sister and smiling, “We need to have a party out here.”

The Atlantic One event was the first for the Rocky Mount company since it entered a lease-purchase agreement for the outdoor venue. Admission to yesterday’s community celebration was only $1.