HICKORY — The City of Hickory said Aug. 31, 2026, that its Sails Original Music Series returns in September with New Translations on Friday, Sept. 4. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Union Square. The series is presented by Protection Products, Inc.
The city notice describes New Translations as a Nashville quintet blending synth-pop and alt-rock. It says the band released a 2025 debut album, “Vacation,” and has drawn coverage from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, FLOOD, and The Tennessean as part of a non-country Nashville scene. The city lists Bonnaroo, a national tour with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and a CMA Fest appearance at JBJ’s among recent dates. Producer Yves Rothman is named on newer studio work.
Sails Music Coordinator Bob Sinclair said: “New Translations is like Musical Red Bull—energetic, non-stop fun from the first note to the last. We are so fortunate to have our New Translations friends back for the Sails Original Music Series. IYKYK…”
Passions Alive, produced by Bob Sinclair Music and supported by a grant from Arts Culture Catawba, will have local visual artists painting live during each concert. The featured artist for Sept. 4 is Dan Smith. The city said Smith’s live artwork from the performance will be auctioned at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at NoCo Arts in Newton, with proceeds supporting future Bob Sinclair Music art-and-music experiences.
The series started in 2012 and is a Bob Sinclair Music production. Besides Protection Products, Inc., the city lists Larry’s Music & Sound, Pfahlert Creative Labs, Olde Hickory Brewery, and Crowne Plaza as supporters.
Attendees may use seating on Union Square or bring lawn chairs or blankets. ABC-permitted businesses in the Hickory Downtown Social District may sell beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups that may be consumed on Union Square, surrounding sidewalks, and other public areas in the district. No outside alcohol may be brought into the district, the city said.
The series continues with Mellow Swells on Sept. 11, Pressing Strings on Sept. 18, and N-Spire Band on Sept. 26. Details are at www.hickorync.gov/SailsMusic.
The Aug. 31 notice does not list a ticket price because the concert is free, and it does not name a rain date.
Official release from City of Hickory, Aug. 31, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/new-translations-open-fall-season-sails-original-music-series-hickory
