The Arboretum Meadow in Pinehurst's Rassie Wicker Park will be filled with the sound of music Saturday, Oct. 11, as several local bands take the stage throughout the day.

This is the first in a planned ongoing series of concerts and events presented by the Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department.

Admission is free, however attendees are asked to bring a canned food item that will be collected and donated to the local food bank. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the Fair Barn.

The performances will begin with the sounds of Sweet T from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Playing a mix of beach music, standards, R&B and country, the group includes Rebecca Lapping, Steve Lapping, David Kellis and Tim Short.

The Cowboy Band will perform from 12:45 to 2 p.m. Playing a mix of country, western and southern rock and, they will also take almost any requests. Based in Pinehurst, members of the band include Tom Konold, Mike Newman, Craig Phifer, Steve Lapping, Randy Hughes, Raul Recio and Karen Lewis.

From 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., Joyner, Young & Marie will take the Arboretum stage. Coming from different bands since the 1970s, Bill Joyner, Dan Young and Marie Denise finally joined musical forces to create a band that has a sound all its own.

Closing out the day will be The Sand Band from 3:45 to 5 p.m. As one of the premier beach music bands of the Carolinas, The Sand Band consists of David Kellis, Steve Lapping, Daryl Lemonds, Rick Martin, Henry Baldwin and Tim Short. Although they play a variety of dance music, blues and classic rock 'n' roll, their calling card is Carolina beach music.

Food and drinks by White Rabbit Catering will be available for purchase, and personal coolers are allowed.

"Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an afternoon in the park listening to great music," says a spokesman.

The concert is sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County and Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina -- Sandhills Branch.

For additional information, call (910) 295-2817 or visit www.villageofpinehurst.org.