This First Friday Concert is the Kickoff to Peak of the Bloom, a celebration of the art of nature, and the fourth in the First Friday Concerts in the Square series, which will run every 1st Friday May-October. Concerts are FREE & open to the public. The event will also feature The HeART Market, with artisan vendors who pour their heart into their work, and craft activities for the kiddos. ❤ Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs & picnic blankets, and enjoy dining, strolling the shops, creative activities and all The Grassroots District has to offer. Find a full schedule of Peak of the Bloom activities at peakofthebloom.com. Sam Eplin will open the show from 6-6:45 and Appalachian Soul Man Aristotle Jones will take the stage from 7-9pm. About the Artists: Known as the Appalachian Soul Man, West Virginia native, Aristotle Jones has become a fan favorite in West Virginia, Central Appalachia and beyond. With engagement, connection, and passion, Aristotle Jones leaves it all on the stage with uplifting music influenced by artists like Bill Withers, Leon Bridges, Ray Charles, Darius Rucker, and other Genre blending musical pioneers. On stage with his 9 piece "Amazing Appalachian Soul Band", Jones captivates audiences with his range, emotion, authenticity and originality. With his full band Aristotle expands the arrangement to include a stellar horn section, a solid rhythm section, and feature soloists. The music is modern but the feeling of Aristotle's full band shows transport the audience with the nostalgic energy of Juke Joints found throughout rural Appalachia. A central theme of Aristotle's music and community projects is shedding light on the contribution to art in culture provided by Black Americans living in the Appalachian Mountains. He is the descendant of coal miners, and farmers who against all odds made a life in the poor coal town of Osage, West Virginia. Jones' music reflects the values of courage, fortitude and determination that were taught to him while porch picking with his grandfather, a regional Gospel and Soul singer who traveled to segregated coal camps performing for black coal miners in the mid 20th Century, and Aristotle is proud to carry on the legacy of Soulful Folk music inspired by Doo Wop, Gospel and Blues in Appalachia. You can find music from Aristotle Jones on Apple Music, Spotify, CD Baby, as well as other major platforms and at www.AristotleJones.com Sam Eplin is a Barbousville, WV native and super talent! His voice is an instant attention grabber, and his song craft is outstanding. He caught our attention from a video on Radio WV, and we knew we wanted him on our stage. This concert is brought to you with support from Princeton Community Hospital - WVU Medicine. ❤