Alive After Five (AA5), the popular community concert series, concluded its 15th anniversary season in 2025. Since its inception, Alive After Five has operated as a committee of the Sampson Arts Council in collaboration with the City of Clinton and Sampson County. Over the past 15 years, the series has grown into one of the community’s signature events, bringing residents and visitors together through live music, local vendors and shared experiences in downtown Clinton.

Following the close of the 2025 season, the AA5 Committee began discussions regarding the long-term sustainability and leadership of the series. As a result, the City of Clinton and its Main Street Program have agreed to assume management of Alive After Five moving forward.

“This series has been built through the dedication of countless volunteers, partners, and financial supporters,” said Ray Jordan, a founding and current member of the Alive After Five Committee, in a press release. “We are incredibly proud of what Alive After Five has become and the lasting impact it has had on our community and the Sampson Arts Council. This transition helps ensure the series remains strong, relevant, and successful for years to come, while allowing the Arts Council to focus on new initiatives that serve communities across Sampson County.”

The 2026 season will serve as a transition year. Ownership of the series transfers to the City of Clinton, effective immediately, with leadership shifting to the Main Street Program under the direction of Business & Downtown Manager Tyler Wise. During the 2026 season, current AA5 Committee members and the Sampson Arts Council will continue providing guidance and institutional knowledge to ensure continuity and a smooth transition. Full operational management by the City will begin with the 2027 season.

“I am excited to step into the leadership role of the Alive After Five Committee and look forward to building upon the success of the past 15 years,” said Business & Downtown Manager for the City of Clinton, Tyler Wise, in a press release. “Our goal is to honor the strong foundation that has been created while continuing to grow the event’s impact, expand community engagement, and ensure Alive After Five remains a signature downtown experience for years to come.”

With five concerts scheduled, the 16th Anniversary Season features an impressive lineup of regional favorites, including: The Band of Oz – May 21; Soul Psychedlique – June 18; Bounce Party Band – August 13; Spare Change – September 10; and Liquid Pleasure – October 9.

Kicking off the season on May 21st is a true musical institution — The Band of Oz, affectionately known as BOZ, one of the most successful and beloved acts touring the Southeast today. Formed in 1967 in Greenville, North Carolina, BOZ started as a group of junior high friends playing sock hops and fraternity parties before taking the leap into full-time touring in the late 1970s. Since then, they have become a Carolina beach music legend, performing hundreds of shows each year and thrilling audiences from corporate stages to sun-soaked outdoor festivals.

This eight-member powerhouse delivers a high-energy blend that keeps dance floors overflowing. While the band is rooted in classic Beach Music, their repertoire has evolved over decades to include R&B, soul, Motown and contemporary chart-toppers, ensuring there is something for every musical taste. Come ready to dance, sing along, and make this season’s kickoff one for the books!

For more information about Alive After Five visit https://www.aliveafterfiveclintonnc.com/

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