Special to IFN

Children’s Hope Alliance and Heartstrings Therapeutic Music & Art Program, in conjunction with its collaborative partner, Iredell Arts Council, invite the community to attend the upcoming Music Speaks event featuring Bing Futch.

The event will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Heartstrings Gracie Building, located at 183 Barium Springs Drive, Statesville. The event is free.

Music Speaks is an inspirational musician series that will take place on the Barium Springs campus during the spring of 2026. This music series has been made possible by funding from a NC Grassroots Grant. A variety of guest musicians will perform for the local community.

In 2006, Bing Futch began performing solo at festivals and music venues across the country. He has recorded a number of albums and published several music-education books, including the best-selling “Blues Method For Mountain Dulcimer 101.” In 2014, Bing won the Solo/Duo Artist award in the Central Florida Blues Challenge competition, earning a coveted entry into the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., where he advanced to the semifinals. Several months later, Bing competed in the 2015 Central Florida Blues Challenge and won his category for the second year in a row, which led him back to Memphis to compete in the 2016 International Blues Challenge. There, he advanced to the finals and was named “Best Guitarist” in the Solo/Duo category, despite competing solely on the mountain dulcimer.

Educators are encouraged to have their students attend. All musicians and music lovers are also encouraged to participate.

Refreshments for the monthly spring 2026 music events generously provided by The Exchange Club of Mooresville / Lake Norman.