The old way of breaking for lunch in RTP may have looked something like this: 12 o’clock hits and you need to make a mad dash to the nearest fast food joint only to then turn right around and eat at your desk alone or in the office breakroom.
Let’s change that.
As we head back to work, whatever that may look like, let’s rethink how we use our lunch hour. Every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm Boxyard RTP will have a live acoustic singer-songwriter on the BeatBox stage. The artist(s) and genre will change each week, but the intent will stay the same. Try ordering some food ahead of time, enjoying the fresh air, and giving yourself the time (and permission) to recharge during this well-deserved break in the day.
Our musical performances happen rain or shine under our covered Pavilion on the BeatBox stage. In the event of extreme weather, such as flooding, ice or lightning, performances will be canceled. Follow us on Instagram for updates on time changes or cancelations.
This Week’s Performer: Johnny Sansone
Johnny Sansone picked up the guitar and harmonica by the time he was 10, and had a life-changing experience at 12 most of us would envy: he saw a Howlin’ Wolf show in Florida. That was the moment the young Sansone knew he was destined to play the blues as his lifetime vocation. He sat in with Honeyboy Edwards at 13. During the 1970s Sansone studied with blues harmonica legends James Cotton and Jr. Wells. In the 1980s he toured with Ronnie Earl, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rodgers and Robert Lockwood Jr. Johnny’s newest recording, HOPELAND, was produced by Anders Osborne, and features the North Mississippi Allstars. Offbeat Magazine’s review of HOPELAND praises Johnny for his instrumental prowess, particularly on harmonica and accordion, as well as his songwriting and bandleader talent. “… The energy level peaks so hard it could easily fly off the rails, but the perfectly balanced production from Osborne, and the finishing touches from Trina Shoemaker’s superb mixing, keep the buzz and distortion from turning into a train wreck. That’s how you catch lightning in a bottle.”
Covid Precautions:
– Boxyard RTP is an open-air facility that will continue to follow in accordance with all Covid-19 regulations put in place by Durham County. Masks are optional at Boxyard, but individual vendor policies may vary. We recommend bringing a mask with you. Stay kind to those who choose to still wear one.
– In addition to regular cleanings, hand sanitizer stations are provided throughout our facility.
– Our tables are spaced out, so you do not feel right on top of your neighbor.
Note: By participating in this event, you consent to the recording of your likeness, image, and/or voice and authorize Boxyard RTP to use photographs, video, and audio recordings containing your likeness, image, and/or voice in any medium for any purpose.
Got questions? Send us an email at hello@boxyardrtp.com. Interested in performing? Reach out to music@boxyardrtp.com.
