JULY 2025
FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE MILL
FRIDAY, JULY 4 | 7-9PM | FREE & OPEN TO ALL
Open artist studios with the Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists
Local food truck Pizza Paradise
Live music from Al Strong and Drawbar Saints
Local food sampling from Piedmont Food Processing Center
Beer from Ponysaurus Brewing, wine, and NA beer selections
Free Art-making Activities for all ages with Mer Haggerty
Focal Point Orange
A Photography Exhibit Celebrating the People, Places, and Spirit of Orange County, NC
Featured Artists:
Duane C. Abbott, Sean Bailey, Barbara Bell, Aaron Canipe, Catharine Carter, John Cates, Chuck Cunningham, Avery Danziger, Anne C. Gardner, Zach Gunty, Heather Hayman, Steven Heiner, Jim Herrington, David Hunt, Seon Kim, Tiffney Marley, Elizabeth Matheson, Todd McPhail, Chieko Murasugi, Steve Murray, Nathan Nguyen, Kwaku A. Osei, Luke Palombo, Michael Neal Patrick, Elizabeth Prioli, Fabian Ramos-Jimenez, Eric Saunders, Barbara Tyroler, Bill Whitmore, Ken Wilson, Sia Yazdanfar, Donn Young
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Al Strong and Drawbar Saints
Led by award-winning trumpeter and sonic explorer Al Strong, Drawbar Saints is a soul-steeped quartet blending the sacred roots of jazz, funk, and gospel with bold modern textures. Featuring Mark Wells on jazz organ and vocals, Charlie Garnett on guitar, and Dorien Dotson on drums, the group delivers electrifying performances that are equal parts groove revival and spiritual ceremony.
With Strong’s expressive trumpet voice enhanced by a palette of digital effects and Wells’ gritty Hammond tones and soulful vocals, the band transforms classics by artists like Donny Hathaway, Herbie Hancock, and The Meters into immersive, forward-leaning soundscapes. Anchored by Garnett’s tasteful guitar work and Dotson’s dynamic, pocket-heavy drumming, Drawbar Saints channels the deep tradition of Black American music while reaching toward the divine.
Whether reimagining timeless standards or conjuring new spirituals for the modern age, Al Strong and Drawbar Saints invite listeners into a space where soul meets signal, and where every note feels both rooted and revelatory.
Follow the journey at www.alstrongmusic.com and on social media @alstrongmusic on IG and Al Strong Official on Facebook
