The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is hosting a free wine and music event in hopes to draw interest in museum activities. Toast and Jam will be held Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Matt Edwards, executive director of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, said it is important to the museum to have people to come out and to learn what the museum has to offer.

“This program is a way for us to get the word out for folks in the community and for visitors coming to our community. We would like to experience some of the great things we have to offer at the museum,” said Edwards. “This allows to feature local wineries, some great music and to offer a free event.”

He said the first event in May was well attended. However, the second event in June was canceled due to severe storms.

“Weather has been a challenge for us this year,” said Edwards. “We have a weather alternative, but we will make that decision the day of the event. So far the latter part of the week is looking good.”

For this event, Edwards secured a sponsorship from B & L Custom Jewelers that will make the event free to the public. The museum also has partnered with Patterson Collins Automotive Group to make the event possible.

There will be a live radio broadcast on WSYD 1300 am during the event.

The Toast

Wine for the event will be provided by Round Peak Vineyards. Free tastings will be provided and wine by the glass or bottle will be on sale. Edwards has paired up with the vineyard for two 5K events in which all of the proceeds go to the museum. The second 5K will be held in October. The first 5K was unique in that runners navigated the rolling hills of the vineyard.

“We’ve been working with Round Peak over the last couple of years. They are always great folks to work with and they have great wine,” said Edwards.

The Jam

Reggie Johnson, a Mount Airy native, has played at many local venues. Johnson’s interest in playing the guitar started while listening to his brother Larry play. He got his first guitar at the age of 8 and started a band with his schoolmates. After taking some years off from playing, his interested renewed when his brother gave him a Fender Stratocaster copy. His brother later introduced him to the blues with a tape of Eric Clapton, Albert Collins, Johnnie Johnson at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He started listening to blues legends Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. That’s when he decided that he would start singing and playing the blues.

Also, Johnson has performed with Melva Houston and has performed at her International Music Festival.

In May of 2004, Johnson released his first CD.

The event will be held the second Saturday of every month and will feature a different band each time and local wineries.

For more information about Toast and Jam, call the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History at 786-4478.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.