DURHAM, N.C. — The state’s Natural and Cultural Resources Department has selected three cities as music friendly communities.  

Durham, Shelby and Elizabeth City were selected for a pilot program that will aim to strengthen the music economies already in place there. 

The goal is to boost jobs, tourism and economic growth in each of those cities through the music scene.

What You Need To Know

  • Durham, Shelby and Elizabeth City were selected for a pilot program

  • The goal is to boost jobs, tourism and economic growth

  • The pilot program will last two years

Bill Whittington, the owner of the The Blue Note Grill in Durham, says he is excited to see what this program can do to expand the musical offerings already in the city. The Blue Note Grill hosts music multiple nights a week.

"The hope is to figure out ways to grow the music world, the music scene, the music business, get more folks interested in music, and from that, more shows, more people coming to town,” Whittington said. "All the participants, people coming into town will grow, get healthier, and that will make it more attractive to businesses, growth and all of that." 

Each city will have a committee that will make recommendations on how to to grow the music economy in their respective area. Whittington serves on the committee for Durham. 

For more information about the program, click here.