The Unwind Music Festival

September 30th, 2023

By Terry L. Watson

The Unwind Music Festival is designed to bring Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, EDM, G0-Go, and other music classifications together under one roof. The brain and visionary behind the festival is Thomasville, NC, native Anthony Anderson, who owns The Unwind Bar in High Point, NC. Anthony is no stranger to event planning. In his early years, he produced gospel concerts in Columbia, SC, and facilitated and managed events in several states throughout his life.

The Unwind Bar opened its doors to the public during the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic. Anthony shares that most people thought opening a business during the pandemic was crazy. He and his team took a gamble and did it, and the results were positive. “The likeness and appreciation of what The Unwind Bar was able to accomplish led to our team researching the impact of live music in our area,” he says. Fast forward, their research has led to the development of The Unwind Music Festival.

Slated to happen on September 30, 2023, at the High Point Theater in High Point, NC. The one-day event will showcase musical talent from around North Carolina. There will be food trucks and vendors on sight, and much more. The team that is producing The Unwind Music Festival includes Anthony, along with his mother Norine Anderson, LaKeith Stevenson, Kika James, and Derrick Jones. The lineup of talent includes Just Once, The Luv Jones Experience, Sumthin 4 Tha People, Alter Egos, and a Mary J. Blige tribute produced by Just Fine.

Some of the sponsors for The Unwind Music Festival are Favor Desserts located in Durham, NC, The Love Jones Experience, Wayne Cotrell with State Farm Insurance, Collaborative Consulting, Dj Jimmy Jam of WJOSHD.com, JMS Catering, Unwind Bar, Harbor One Seafood & Chicken of High Point, NC, and more.

Anthony says his love for live music inspired him to produce The Unwind Music Festival. “I am a pretty laid-back, chill kind of guy, and if I am looking to get into something, I am going to find a place with live music. Live music is good for your soul. It makes you feel good, and people need that nowadays. It has helped people to get back outside and unwind after experiencing the Covid pandemic. The festival was created for those reasons. Music helps people to forget about all the noise. It helps people to unwind. Most importantly, music is life,” he says.

The purpose of The Unwind Music Festival is not only to entertain but also to give back. One of the beneficiaries is the Enrichment Fund for the Guilford County Schools. This fund allows all students to benefit from the same enrichment opportunities and for teachers to be as creative as they inspire. Each year, they award hundreds of small gifts that support highimpact learning experiences for as many students as possible. While it is predicated on how well the show does, Anthony shares that a percentage of the profits from The Unwind Music Festival will go to the Enrichment Fund.

Education holds a sincere place in Anthony’s heart. After graduating from college, Anthony spent several years as a teacher. He also spent many years as a site director for a before and after-school program. “I understand the challenges that schools face regarding funding for before and after school, care, and even remediation. That is why we are choosing to place our resources from the festival there,” he says.

Anthony shares the journey to bring a festival to High Point, NC, has been challenging. “Triad natives are producing the festival with no backing from large conglomerates although we hope to obtain the support of some of the city’s way makers. We’re a team of visionaries looking to build a brand and safe platform for the city of High Point to experience and embrace. The journey has encompassed nearly two years, and the response has been incredible. We aim to bring an elevated live music and arts experience year after year.”

An additional challenge with producing The Unwind Music Festival, Anthony shares, has been timing. “I’m one of those people who like to do things in advance. I am a strategic thinker and want to get things done now and be prepared. Getting others to get in line and stand beside you as you move forward is difficult when there is time ahead of you. Most people want to wait for something to materialize. I like to make it materialize.”

It is apparent that Anthony doesn’t believe in wasting time or resources. To produce such an elaborate event as The Unwind Music Festival, he can’t afford to. He says, “I have more years behind me than in front of me. I can’t have reservations about anything. I have realized that it only takes one time to be successful.”

Anthony has some sound advice for those thinking about working for themselves. “Entrepreneurship is not for the timid. You must be willing to pay someone else before you get paid. If you are not selfless enough to do that, entrepreneurship is not for you.” Additionally, Anthony offers some advice to those who may follow a journey similar to his. “You have to decide when to start. Once you start, you have to remove any distractions. You must delete all of the noise and the naysayers, those who don’t believe in your vision. If it is in your heart, you must put things in motion and do it. I do not believe in failing. Give it a shot and see how it goes. There is a lesson to learn in everything. What do you have to lose?” h

Moving forward, Anthony plans to continue to create events that his community will embrace and enjoy. He also plans to do his part in contributing to the High Point/Thomasville communities. “I am here to serve and connect with others who have a desire to impact the lives of others positively,” he says.

To learn more about The Unwind Music Festival, including how to become a sponsor or vendor, please visit the event’s website.