As many have noticed, Hugh "Tuff" Blanton hasn't been performing with Cat5 including the video we posted earlier this month. Tuff was diagnosed with cancerous tumor in his liver. A GoFundMe account has been setup to help offset the cost of medical expenses and if you're able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. Tuff is a great person and we're so sorry to see him having to go through this. We've provided the GoFundMe information below.

In a post earlier tonight on the band's Facebook page they posted the following: "A Lot of people have been asking about the absence of Hugh "Tuff" Blanton our Bass Player. Take a look at the Go Fund Me Page created for him and help if you can. Our Brother needs your help if its nothing but sharing the page. Thank you for all you do and your support of this matter. - Much love to you from The Cat5 Band"

On the fundraising page it reads:
" Dear Cat5 Band Fans:

As many of you already know, Hugh “Tuff” Blanton has not been able to perform with the band lately due to health issues.
In October, Hugh was diagnosed with cancerous tumor in his liver. Surgery to remove the tumor is not an option. Instead, the treatment plan involves a 3 to 4 step radio embolization procedure. Radiation beads will be injected directly into the tumor to stop it from growing, to shrink it, and (hopefully) to destroy it. His doctors are confident in Hugh’s treatment plan and expect a positive outcome.

The medical costs associated with Hugh’s treatment are extensive. For this reason, we have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to help offset the financial burden to Hugh and his family resulting from his medical treatment. The Cat5 Band is asking our family of friends and fans to make monetary donations to support our much loved Hugh and his family in their time of need.
Your prayers and financial support will be greatly appreciated. God bless and thank you. We also ask that you give him and his family some privacy for just a bit so he can put all his energy towards getting healthy and getting back to doing what he loves.

On October 13, 2019 we told you about Steve Hardy's retirement announcement and mentioned his upcoming annual Christmas party on our news story. The sponsor locations have been updated and the bands have been confirmed and we have that information for you below.

Christmas Party Information:
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
303 SW Greenville Blvd.
Greenville, NC 27834

Tickets will be available at these locations:

Grand Sponsors
Bailey's Fine Jewelry, all locations
Carolina Eagle/ Budweiser, Rocky Mount
Doug Henry Ford Ayden

Sponsors:
Richie Ballance Flooring, wilson
Donald Kennedy Nationwide, Kinston
Bayer Crop Science/ Wyatt Richardson, Greene County
501 Flaire Boutique, Williamston and Washington
Sawyer Sign Company, Williamston
Suki, Inc, Pink Hill
Minges Bottling Company/Pepsi, Ayden
Greenville Pathology, Dr. Bill Ballance,Greenville
Furniture Warehouse, Tarboro and Farmville
Pitt County K9 Academy, Greenville
Greenville Convention Center, Greenville
PIP Printing, Greenville
Morehead Motor Company, Morehead City

October 29, 2019 marks a milestone for one radio station, WLWL 770AM Big Wave that's located in Rockingham, North Carolina. On October 29, 1969, the station signed on for the very first time. In celebration they aired a previously recorded broadcast by the previous station owner, Bob Perkins during their show on October 29, 2019. Recipients of numerous awards from the Carolina Beach Music Academy which include years: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2009 along with Hall of Fame in 2005 and 2013 with an induction into the Hall of Fame according to their Facebook page.

Playing the best in Carolina Beach and Blues we look forward to fifty more years from WLWL and congratulations on such a great achievement and to the current owner, R.L. McCaskill.

Your chance to win a pair of tickets to Fall Breeze, Sunday November 3, 2019.
Click here to enter!
 

Join us on Sunday, November 3 from 1-6 PM and support a great cause. Hope Abounds supports cancer patients and their families through their cancer journey through advocacy, education and financial support. It promises to be a wonderful afternoon with good music and fun. Please share with your friends. There are two reserved tables left and general admission tickets available as well.

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS: Contact Kim Wellons and mention Flip Flop Live
Phone: 919-915-2984
Email: Kim.wellons84@gmail.com

Tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open at 12:30 PM.

VENUE ADDRESS:
The Farm at 42
1075 Lynch Road
Selma, North Carolina 27576

The 2019 Cammy Weekend guide is now avaiable for download. Save it to your PC or mobile device for easy access.
DOWNLOAD

You can also view the details on our website CLICK HERE!

In October we launched an online Beach Music auction on our website that was hosted by the Cindy Hite Memorial Golf Tournament in Clarksville, Virginia. Dale Hite from the Lake Live Live Concert Series approached us about participating and of course we were all in. In addition to the online auction they also hosted a silent auction, golf tournament and concert afterwards with J.B. and the Get Down Browns on October 18th and 19th at the Kinderton Country Club in Clarksville, Virginia.

It was announced that proceeds for this event totaled over $70,000 for the weekend event and all going to the Mecklenburg County Cancer Association. This event was started by members of the Hite family to honor Cindy who passed from cancer in 2011. The Clarksville and Southside, Virginia residents have such giving hearts and they also happen to be tremendous Beach Music fans with their concert series growing year after year.

Thank you to everyone that participated in the event, all of the businesses and entertainers who donated items for the auctions and for the volunteers who gave their time. This is an annual event and we hope to be part of this great event in 2020.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Earlier tonight it was announced that Jackie Gore's contribution to the Steve Hardy tribute CD would be his take on the Jerry Butler hit, "Dream Merchant". The song was produced by Freddy Tripp and Chris Biehler for the project. The song made it's debut on Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party and you can also hear Jackie's interview in the video below. Also for more informaiton on how you can help Steve's family along with the original announcement on this special project, click here!

The first single from their tenth studio album which is set to be released in 2020 already has fans talking. "Her Love is Killin' Me" has the traditional Huey Lewis flair and is sure to recieve chart action in the coming motnhs. Now available on streaming services and with your favorite DJ's and stations be sure to call and request it. Personally we love their music and we've already add it to our own playlists. Check it below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Earlier today, October 14, 2019 the Carolina Beach Music Academy announced on their Facebook page that the deadline for your ballot to be postmarked would be extended until tomorrow, October 15, 2019 due to the closure of post offices in observance of Columbus Day. If you like living on the edge and haven't mailed yours, you have one more chance. Good luck to all of the nominees and we're looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks.

Bidding is now open on the Beach Music Merchandise Silent Auction. The auction includes items from: The Embers feat. Craig Woolard, Cat5 Band, Blackwater, Feature Attraction (FAB), Steve Owens and Summertime, Jim Quick and Coastline, Preppy Pirate Outfitters and Flip Flop Live! CD's, DVD, Shirts, hats and more PLUS more items are on the way and will be included throughout the week.

The auction will end Friday, October 18, 2019 at 12:00PM (Noon).  To view the items and to bid, click here!