Spring and warmer weather have arrived, and along with them returns First Friday in downtown Southern Pines.

This monthly community nonprofit event is for people of all ages. Participants will have access to food, beverages, live music and other forms of entertainment.

The Sand Band kicks off this year's entertainment roster tonight (Friday, May 1), from 5 to 8 p.m. on the grassy lot next to the Sunrise Theater.

The band, formed in 1999, has been called "one of the premier beach music bands of the Carolinas." Band members are David Kellis, Steve Lapping, Daryl Lemonds, Rick Martin, Henry Baldwin and Tim Short, all from either Moore or Montgomery counties.

The Sand Band was nominated for "New Artist of the Year" at the Carolina Beach Music Awards. They have also had a nomination for "Ballad of the Year." They have had two beach music hits with the songs, "Golden Road," and "Good Gosh Almighty," both written by band members. Two other songs they have recorded that have topped beach music charts are "Too Late" and "New Breed Kinda Woman." The band plays beach music, dance music, Motown, classic rock and blues.

There will be a free shag lesson at this event.

Other musical acts scheduled through October are Corey Harris; the Benjy Davis Project, Tab Benoit, the Randy Hughes Band, and the New Familars.

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will have a booth at each event, so the public may bring donations of canned goods.

"The First Friday series is designed to invigorate and augment the many things about Southern Pines that make it such a wonderful place to live and do business," says the spokesman. "The goal of this event is to increase awareness of these points and foster relationships within the community in a setting of relaxation, fun and togetherness."

Visit www.firstfridaysouthern pines.com for information.