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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Natural Wonder will headline the 34th annual Ham & Yam Festival presented by Stevens Sausage and Agri Supply, with a free concert scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

Led by Gabriel Bello, a #1 Billboard-ranked vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Natural Wonder, the Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience, channels the energy and artistry that has made Stevie Wonder an icon across decades and genres.  Whether it’s the Motown-era hits like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and “My Cherie Amour,” the fusion-flavored “Superstition,” the signature harmonica solo of “Isn’t She Lovely,” or Stevie’s modern masterpieces, Bello and the industry veterans impress with a seemingly unending barrage of hit songs that span the Stevie Wonder catalog.  Natural Wonder brings real musicianship, a dynamic show, and a deep, studious love of the Stevie Wonder legacy to the stage for an epic performance that recreates the look, feel, and sound of a Stevie set that blows audiences away. 

“We are thrilled to have Natural Wonder at the Ham & Yam Festival,” states Sarah Edwards, festival organizer and Executive Director of Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation.  “They’re an incredibly talented and entertaining group with a show full of hits that will have the audience up dancing and singing along!”

In addition to the free 8:00 p.m. concert on Saturday, May 5, there will be entertainment on the festival’s three stages throughout the day.  “We are fortunate to have a large number of very talented up and coming musicians and entertainers here in Johnston County and North Carolina, and are pleased to be able to shine a spotlight on them at the festival,” states Edwards.

A full schedule of events on Saturday, May 5 will attract thousands of people to Downtown Smithfield, where the festival occupies several blocks.  Craft and commercial vendors line the streets, food vendors offer a variety of fair foods and menu items featuring country ham and sweet potatoes, and additional entertainment comes in the form of pig races, children’s activities, and more.

The Ham & Yam Festival is organized by the nonprofit Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation.  To learn more about the Ham & Yam Festival, please visit www.hamandyam.com, or call Sarah Edwards at 919-934-0887.