The Hamiltones, a Grammy-nominated gospel group from the Charlotte area, will perform at the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, Feb. 19, kicking off a new season of “Music at the Mansion,” hosted by First Lady Kristin Cooper.
First Lady Cooper, Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and Wayne Martin, executive director of the N.C. Arts Council, will welcome The Hamiltones to the Executive Mansion.
Soul singers J. Vito, Tony Lelo, and 2E — all from North Carolina — started as background vocalists for Grammy-winning rhythm and blues singer Anthony Hamilton and then launched their own group, The Hamiltones.
An informal video of the members playfully putting a soul twist to a popular rap song reached more than one million viewers on Facebook and set the stage for other renditions of popular songs, resulting in an appearance on “The Breakfast Club” radio show. In 2018 the group’s collaboration with Hamilton led to their first Grammy nomination. Last year, The Hamiltones were part of three projects that were also nominated for Grammy awards. The Hamiltones will release their debut EP, “Watch The Ton3s,” in mid-May.
“Music at the Mansion” started last year to spotlight our state’s deep roots in the development of American music. Although not open to the general public, each concert is recorded and featured on http://www.ComeHearNC.com for viewing. Come Hear NC is a project of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the N.C. Arts Council that started last year to celebrate 2019 as “The Year of Music.”
Media who wish to request press access to this event should contact Rebecca Moore at rebecca.moore@ncdcr.gov or 919.814.6530. Photos will be available for media use on request.
WHAT: The Hamiltones at the Executive Manson, “Music at the Mansion” Series
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Reception
6:45 p.m. Comments
7 p.m. Concert
WHERE: North Carolina Executive Mansion
200 N. Blount St., Raleigh
WHO: First Lady Kristin Cooper
Susi H. Hamilton, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Wayne Martin, Executive Director, N.C. Arts Council
Catherine Swain, Director of Marketing, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
About the North Carolina Arts Council
The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s long-standing love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. NCArts.org