Nothing says summertime like an outdoor concert. When the Bull City Syndicate and Craig Woolard Band roll into town for Fayetteville After Five on Thursday, June 21, the first full day of summer 2012 will have officially arrived.

As one of the perennial favorites on the Beach Music circuit, the Craig Woolard Band is a seven-member ensemble of life-long musicians. The band consists of former members of The Embers, The Catalinas and The Shakers.

Band front man, Craig Woolard says, “When you come to hear the Craig Woolard Band at an outdoor concert, you are going to hear some beach music, you are going to hear some rock and roll, you’ll hear some party funk and some country. We play each genre as true as possible.”

Playing events like Fayetteville After Five gives the band an opportunity to reach an audience that may not hit the nightclub scene. “We develop good, lifelong fans through the outdoor concerts.”

And the magic of a summer concert isn’t lost on Woolard. “It hits the emotional centers. What we are doing out there is the 21st century version of the John Philip Sousa concerts. It’s just good, clean American fun.”

Woolard was named Male Vocalist of the Year at the Carolina Beach Music Association Awards in 2011. It was his second year in a row winning the award. “I get to do for a living what I’ve always wanted to do. I never wanted to do anything else. I’m a blessed man. If you want to see a guy do what he loves, come out to see The Craig Woolard Band.”

Carrie King, Executive Director of Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, is excited to have two headliners for Fayetteville After Five, a Dogwood Festival sponsored event.

Known for their horn section and vocalist, Charlotte Gregory, Bull City Syndicate is a Durham band that has been playing the Mid-Atlantic region for over 15 years. Their music is a tribute to their influences Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and Blood, Sweat & Tears, but the Bull City Syndicate makes the music all their own.

“Bull City Syndicate really has a huge following in the Raleigh/Durham area. They are a fun, energetic band and we’re pleased to add them to the line-up,” said King.

“They do a little bit of everything. They’re universal. They are a big band and they have a great horn section. It’s a little more funk.”

Fayetteville After Five is as much of a family event as a concert. In addition to the music, there are cornhole boards, a 50/50 raffle with prizes and giveaways and the Gamin’ Ride.

“It’s an interactive trailer with any and every kind of video game you can think of. It is just awesome. This thing even has Smell-o-Vision that compliments the kid’s games. It’s a unique opportunity for the concert-goers.”

Fayetteville After Five concerts are free to the public with the music starting around 5:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.faydogwoodfestival.com/fayetteville-after-5.

Photo: The Craig Woolard Band will perform at Fayetteville After Five on June 21.