On any given weekend, talented musicians can be found performing throughout Cumberland County in restaurants, at festivals, community events and local venues entertaining audiences who have followed them for years, and in some cases, decades. Among the most familiar names on Fayetteville's music scene are Guy Unger Band and Joyner, Young & Marie (JYM), two groups that have become part of the soundtrack of the community. On Friday, July 17, those hometown favorites will come together for the Regional Band Blowout, part of the popular Rock'n On the River concert series, for an evening that celebrates not only local music but also the musicians and friendships that have helped shape Fayetteville's entertainment scene for generations.

The event promises four hours of live entertainment along the Cape Fear River. But the story behind the music is really one of friendship, perseverance and a shared love of performing. For Guy Unger, music has never been about fitting into one genre. 

"We're a pretty versatile bunch," Unger said. "We play many different styles of music, but we're heavily into the classic rock world. We'll play some Pink Floyd or the Eagles, then turn around and play Blink-182 before going into Bruno Mars. As long as the audience is having a blast, we'll roll with it."

Despite decades of performing together, Joyner says the reason the band continues to thrive is remarkably simple. "Love of making music and for one another," he said. 

That passion is reflected in Joyner, Young & Marie's signature sound, which blends rhythm and blues, harmony vocals and an eclectic mix of familiar favorites. From Adele to ZZ Top, the band has built a reputation for creating performances that connect with audiences across generations. For Joyner, the goal of every performance is not just to play songs but to create an experience people remember. Through carefully crafted set lists, the band balances different styles, tempos and vocal arrangements to take audiences on a musical journey.

After all these years, the motivation remains the same—the joy of making music and sharing that experience with others.

Like many musicians, Unger's style has evolved over time. 

"Back in the '80s I was playing a lot of hard rock," he said. "I was on a mission to push myself on the technical end, and now I'm riding that wave of the work I did back then while leaning more on the expressive element of playing these days." 

Although his catalog spans decades and genres, Unger admits he still has favorites. "I love playing any Pink Floyd," he said. "David Gilmour's playing just resonates with me. We've also brought back an old Edgar Winter tune called Frankenstein that's really fun to play."

While Unger's career has been defined by musical versatility, Joyner, Young & Marie's legacy has been built on decades of harmony, friendship and collaboration. Sharing the stage with Joyner, Young & Marie makes the evening even more special. 

"They're longtime friends and fun to be around," Unger said. "They're always cracking jokes, and there's a real friendship there. Plus, they sound amazing. I love hearing the harmonies and how well they play together." 

Joyner, Young & Marie's story began in the 1980s when Bill Joyner and Dan Young started performing together in local bands, as a duo and in community theater productions. They were later joined by vocalist Marie Grimsley, whose powerful voice helped shape the band's signature harmony-driven sound. The trio went on to record the album Full Circle, which received significant local radio airplay, with one song reaching No. 1 on regional beach music stations for four consecutive weeks—a milestone that helped establish the group as one of the Carolinas' best-known local acts. Today, the band continues that tradition with Allen Diffee on drums and vocals, Gil Howell on five-string bass, Dan Young on guitar and vocals, Bill Joyner on keyboards, guitar and vocals, "Sweet" Marie Grimsley on percussion and vocals, and veteran sound engineer Bill Pierce behind the soundboard.

Their longevity isn't something Joyner attributes to luck. 

"Love of making music and for one another," he said simply. 

The band's signature sound blends rhythm and blues, harmony vocals and an eclectic mix of familiar favorites. "We do a wide variety of covers," Joyner said. "Everything is oriented toward rhythm and blues and harmony vocals from Adele to ZZ Top."

Every performance is carefully crafted. 

"I make out the sets to have a flow," Joyner explained. "Interspersing highs and lows, balancing keys and four singers. The set has to build to a crescendo." It's an approach that has served the band well through countless performances over the years. 

One memory still stands above the rest. 

"Maybe last year's Fourth of July Celebration in Lumberton," Joyner recalled. "As the last note faded, the stadium lights went out and the fireworks started up. It was amazing." 

For Joyner, however, the music has always been about more than applause.  "That someone is still making music for all the right reasons," he said when asked what he hopes audiences take away. "Not for the money, but for the music."

That passion extends beyond the stage. 

"We love the arts community here," Joyner said. "We also feel like we're representing Fayetteville whenever we work out of town. We want people to know Fayetteville bands can bring it." 

The mutual respect between the two featured bands is unmistakable.

"The band has a great time whenever we do a show with the Guy Unger Band," Joyner said. "They're terrific, and we enjoy one another's company. It's going to be a great show." 

Unger shares the excitement. "With two great bands that sound as good as they do, you can't go wrong."

As Rock'n On the River prepares for its Regional Band Blowout, audiences can expect much more than an evening of classic rock and favorite hits. They'll witness decades of friendships, thousands of performances, and musicians who continue to perform for one simple reason: they love bringing people together. For Unger, that's what every concert comes down to. 

"We want to have fun," he said. "I hope people see that reflected in the music. We love and appreciate everyone who has supported us over the years."

The Regional Band Blowout will take place at Rock'n On the River at Campbellton Landing at 1122 Person St. on Friday, July 17, beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but parking is $10. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening celebrating two bands that have spent decades providing the soundtrack to life in Fayetteville.