Mount Airy to pull out the (musical) stops in February, March

Friday's CLT section has a Daytrips article about heading up to Mount Airy Saturday, for the WPAQ 67th anniversary celebration at the Historic Earl Theater.

"Mayberry tourism" aside, WPAQ helps put Mount Airy on the travel map with its "Merry Go Round" program, which is broadcast live from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday.  It features local and regional artists playing bluegrass and old-time mountain music before a live audience.

This show has been going on since 1948.

This Saturday, for the station's anniversary, there'll also be a two-hour concert and dance at the Historic Earl Theatre.

And there's more to come.

The Surry Arts Council has announced new concerts in its  Blue Ridge & Beyond music series that will bring several "name" musicians to the historic, 425-seat  theater.

Grammy-winning musician/artist/story teller David Holt will perform Feb. 26. The 6:30 p.m. performance is free and accompanied by a presentation of his photography.

Pokey LaFarge, whose music encompasses styles ranging from old-time to Cajun, will appear Feb. 28. Tickets for the 7:30 show are $20 and $30.

Rhonda Vincent -- she's pictured at the top of this post -- winner of multiple awards from the  International Bluegrass Music Association,  will be there March 14.  She and her band, The Rage, take the stage at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $35 and $45.

Ticket info: 336) 786-7998: www.SurryArts.org.

Area info: www.VisitMayberry.com.