Fireworks are not the only sound you will be hearing at the 19th annual Jaycee Fourth of July.

Local bands, the GrayByrds and Owen Poteat will be performing at the event at Elkin Municipal Park.

“My goal for this year’s event was to get local bands who have a local following so we could keep the festival more of a local feel,” said Anthony Sebastian, Jaycee entertainment chair, and also of G&B Energy. “We contacted half a dozen bands who are localized within 30 miles from Elkin.”

Sebastian talked to several different bands and the Jaycees discussed rates and voted on the entertainment in April.

The Graybyrds described themselves as ‘Americana Pop,’ said guitarist Gray Burchette, of G&B Energy.

The band has been together about five years and is made up of Andrea Byrd, Jonathan Byrd, Gray Burchette, Scotty Prevette and Randall Couch.

“I build acoustic guitars and met Jonathan Byrd and we started playing together,” Burchette said. “We play a blend of covers and our original music. We may play anything from the Cranberries to Dolly Parton.”

The Graybyrds have also performed at Merle Fest and the Pumpkin Festival.

Owen Poteat, described as a one-man-boogie-band, will also be performing at the event. Owen Poteat is one of the top rated performers on the booking website, GigMaster, Sebastian said.

Poteat plays the harmonica, guitar and drums all at the same time.

“I once played a set with the Harris Brothers and Reggie Harris played a kick drum with his foot. So I decided I was going to learn and practiced,” he said. “It was difficult, but my wife encouraged me alot with it. Then I noticed I was tapping my right foot too and started playing a snare with my right foot.”

Poteat has performed all of the United States such as Key West, San Antonio and Boston. He describes his music as Americana and blues.

“Owens plays all over the place. He’s really good,” Burchette said. “He plays the drums, guitar and harmonica all at the same time; he puts on one heck of a show.”

Both bands will play for two 40 minute sets and will play their last set together.

The 19th Annual Jaycee Fourth of July will start at 5 p.m. and go until dark on Wednesdy, July 4, in the Elkin Municipal Park. The event will also include fireworks, face painting, food, games, bounce houses and a petting zoo. The rain date will be Thursday, July 5, and will just be fireworks.

For more information, visit the Elkin Jaycees on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ElkinJaycees.

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com