Buck Haggard in Banner Elk

The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce’s third Summer Concert in the Park will be on Thursday, July 5, featuring the Buck Haggard Band.

For the best in classic country and 1950s-style rock ’n’ roll, the High Country has come to rely on the Buck Haggard Band.

According to event organizers, Buck Haggard’s music covers lots of old favorites and keeps country music lovers on their feet regardless of where the band is playing.

The band derives its name from the combination of two musical heroes, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Classic country is the style of music for which the Buck Haggard Band is best known. Harmonies on classic songs, such as “Silver Wings” by Merle Haggard and “For the Good Times” by Ray Price, show off the band’s combined years in country music.

Front man and emcee George Wilson formed Buck Haggard more than 10 years ago in response to the need for a classic country band in the High Country. He has performed since childhood, making appearances on WBTV’s “Arthur Smith Show” as early as 1948.

“Folks in this area wanted to hear classic country music, and they weren’t getting it on the radio,” Wilson said. “Lately, whenever I played somewhere, folks said I should put another country band together. I started calling players I knew, and we finally got this bunch together, and we’ve had a great time ever since.”

The members of Buck Haggard have all played and worked in other bands and around each other for years.

Noted guitarist and longtime musician Ed Main said, “We’ve all known each other a long time, but just have never had an opportunity to play regularly together, so when we do get a chance, we have a great time. This has been a lot of fun playing music we love and with great friends.”

Main is also a full-time member of the Wolf Creek Band, which has two albums to its credit and tours frequently.

Members of the Buck Haggard Band are George Wilson, lead and harmony vocals and rhythm guitar; Ed Main, lead and harmony vocals, lead guitar and piano; Tracy Brown, lead and harmony vocals and bass; Jimmy Cannon, steel guitar; and Greg Russell, drums.

The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Tate-Evans Town Park stage behind Bank of America on N.C. 194.

Those attending should bring chairs or blankets to sit on, as well as coolers, though food will also be availble for purchase at the concert.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for prizes, as well as for a cash drawing. Admission is free.

This week’s soncert is sponsored by Banner Elk Winery & Villa.