Freight Train Blues: David Childers & Lightnin’ Wells
Location
Carrboro Town Commons 301 W. Main Street, Carrboro, NC
Date & Time
May 29, 2026 — May 29, 2026
6:30 pm — 8:30 pm
David Childers
Born and raised in Mt. Holly, N.C., David Childers has written hundreds of songs and recorded nearly 20 albums on various record labels. David and his band, The Serpents, have played extensively in N.C., V.A., and T.N. for more than 20 years. They have played numerous festivals such as MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, AmericanaFest, Albino Skunk Fest, McMenamins Great Northwest Music Tour, Avetts at the Beach, Mountain Stage, and more.
Lightnin’ Wells
Michael “Lightnin'” Wells is a beloved North Carolina-based multi-instrumentalist, widely recognized as a torch-bearer for Piedmont Blues and early American roots music.
A seasoned performer for over 50 years, Lightnin’ Wells is an encyclopedia of classic sounds, masterfully breathing new life into vintage tunes from the 1920s and Depression era. He moves seamlessly between finger-style acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and harmonica, delivering a lively mix that includes country blues, ragtime, old-time mountain music, and gospel.
Whether he’s entertaining or educating, Lightnin’ Wells’ performance is a genuine, spirited, and authentic interpretation of a unique American art form.
Elizabeth Cotten’s Freight Train Blues 2026
Music Maker Foundation and the Town of Carrboro, N.C. proudly present Elizabeth Cotten’s Freight Train Blues series of live concerts every Friday evening between May 15 and June 12, 2026 at the Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. The series is made possible with support from The Forests at Duke, North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blankets for a FREE evening of live music on the lawn. Public parking is available and free in downtown Carrboro.
Elizabeth Cotten’s Freight Train Blues series honors Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten’s legacy in the world of roots music by emphasizing the cultural diversity, complexity, and vitality of her music and the music of many other artists local to her community and all over the country.
Get involved
& give back
The Music Maker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on thousands of supporters. Together, we work to meet the day-to-day needs of the artists who create traditional American music, ensure their voices are heard, and give all people access to our nation’s hidden musical treasures. Please contribute or shop our store today.
