By Andie Foley
For the Salisbury Post

Coming from out of town and looking for a way to pass the time after claiming your spot at Pops at the Post? Want to be nearby when time for said claiming comes available?

We’ve got you covered.

Downtown Salisbury’s Gallery Gallop is a two-day event featuring artists and businesses local to the Salisbury area. The event kicks off Friday, June 2, with a trolley tour of Salisbury’s many galleries and businesses in scavenger-hunt style.

From 5 p.m to 9 p.m., stop by the visitor’s center, 204 E. Innes St., for a gallery tour map. Stop at each highlighted gallery to have your map marked, then drop your map back by the visitor’s center for a chance to win a prize.

On day two of the event, the Gallery Gallop Art Festival will take place on South Main Street. Local artists will be selling and providing live demonstrations of their talents from 11 a.m to 3 p.m, alongside performances by local musicians, food and lots of free activities for kids.

Immediately following this, head back towards the Salisbury Post for the start of Pops festivities. Our vendors will be set up along Fisher street by 4 p.m.

The local and loved Salisbury Swing Band will perform before the symphony, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Known for their big-band sound, the 18-member swing band ensemble will entertain the crowds with over 80 years of popular and familiar songs. Their repertoire contains ’40s and ’50s swing, ’60s beach music, ’70s disco and popular dance tunes from the ’80s and onward.

Dr. Steve Etters, chair for Catawba College’s music department and associate professor of music education, leads the band with sections including saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm. The band also features female vocalist Laura Millspaugh.

“They’re a big hit,” said Linda Jones, executive director of the Salisbury Symphony. “A lot of people come early just for them. There’s usually an area … for dancing. It’s definitely a swing band.”