This month's First Friday features the sounds of the Josh Phillips Folk Festival Friday, Sept. 3, on the grass lot next to the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines.

The free family-friendly event opens at 5 p.m., with the band taking the stage at 6 p.m.

Josh Phillips, former singer and songwriter of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, has branched and broadened his musical horizons with the Josh Phillips Folk Festival. The group has been gaining an army of fans that range from the youngest musical listeners, to seasoned longtime traditional music fans.

With the release of their first studio album, "Wicker," Phillips has truly provided a strong testament to his ability to effortlessly capture generations' worth of musical evolution, and traverse years of cultural dilution, bringing the listener back to the very source of roots, folk, soul, R&B, rock and reggae.

The Folk Festival includes Josh Phillips, guitar and vocals; Debrissa McKinney, vocals; Elijah Cramer, bass; Casey Cramer, guitar; Nik Hope, drums; and Ryan Burns, organ and keyboards.

Food and beverages will be available.

The final First Friday event on Oct. 1 will feature the Holy Ghost Tent Revival.

First Friday is a monthly community nonprofit event, for people of all ages in the Southern Pines area. As "First Friday" is a community event, it is provided for through sponsorship and volunteer effort, will be free of charge to the public, and will be family-friendly. Participants will have access to food, beverages, live music and other forms of entertainment, which will enhance the enjoyment of each occasion.

"The 'First Friday' series is designed as such to invigorate and augment the many things about Southern Pines that make it such a wonderful place to live and do business," says a 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."