It’s only fitting that the kickoff fundraiser for Salisbury’s newest Downtown music event be hosted by Salisbury’s newest Downtown music venue.

A launch party to benefit 1st Saturday and to announce the lineup for this year’s events, which begin in April, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Headquarters Live, located at 115 South Division St.

Kicking off the first season of live, local music in Salisbury’s Downtown will be Lewis & Clark, Chris English, and The Larks.

Lewis & Clark is a new band fronted by Josh Pryor, a familiar face in the local music scene. An indie folk rock group, Lewis & Clark enhances Pryor’s solo performance, which has become a staple among Salisbury establishments. Learn more at www.reverbnation.com/lewisandclark.

Local blues legend Chris English offers a combination of deep traditional blues and solid original material, focusing on Delta blues and playing guitar and harp while stamping out time on an old wooden Coca Cola crate.

He uses vintage guitars from the 1920s and 1930s to replicate the sound and feeling of the blues he has studied and loves. This show will feature his band, which is a natural extension of his solo performance. Learn more at www.chrisenglishblues.com.

Dubbed “the area’s best jazz band” by Metropolitan Magazine, among other accolades, The Larks bring an unparalleled funky jazz sound that’s more than a decade in the making. Offering eclectic music for the masses, The Larks was founded by guitarist Pete Bozick and joining him in the band’s current lineup are Jim Miller on trumpet, Curtis Krams on drums, Jamaar Oney on keyboard, and Charlie Greenhalgn on bass. Learn more at www.larksjazz.com.

In addition to live local music, the launch party will feature a Chance Auction with many great prizes such as artwork donated by local artists and gift certificates and merchandise donated by local businesses.

Tickets for the auction will be $1 each, six for $5, and 25 for $20. A bag will be placed in front of each prize. The more tickets you place in the bag, the more likely you are to win the prize! Any local businesses willing to donate to the Chance Auction should email 1stsaturdaysby@gmail.com.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle. The cost will be $1 per ticket or $5 for an arm’s length of tickets.

Drawings will be at 7 p.m., after the last band performs.

A cash bar will be available, as will a food truck. All ages are welcome. Children ages 12 and under are $5 at the door.

Tickets for the event are $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Roadie Joe’s, or Main Roots Coffee, or by sending an email to 1stsaturdaysby@gmail.com.

Tickets will also be available at the door. Take advantage of ‘We’re Almost There Wednesday,’ on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, when tickets purchased at any of the aforementioned vendors will be 50 percent off. Only cash and checks will be accepted, no credit cards.

Checks should be made out to “Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce” with “1st Saturday” in the memo line.

Also, follow our Facebook page beginning Monday, March 2, 2015 when we will begin having ticket giveaway contests.

The 1st Saturday Committee would like to thank the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District Committee, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Headquarters Live, The Daily Times, Roadie Joe’s, Main Roots, Nicole Abresch and Sperry Van Ness, Lewis & Clark, Chris English, The Larks, and all the businesses that contribute to the Chance Auction for their help in the planning of this launch party.

1st Saturday will provide a free, family-friendly experience for locals while also promoting local business, tourism growth, and community involvement through music and celebration. The event is an all-volunteer effort, a downtown economic development initiative, and a project of the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District Committee.

The centerpiece of the event will be a local family-friendly band that’s paid for its services by event sponsors. For information about sponsorships, send an email to 1stsaturdaysby@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/1stsaturdaysby.com.