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Six months after the death of Howard Matthews, known throughout New Bern as “The Music Man,” residents continue to honor his memory in downtown New Bern.<\/p>\n
Matthews died on Dec. 12, 2025. In the days that followed, friends and community members began leaving flowers, gifts and other mementos at the bench where he frequently performed outside Baker’s Kitchen restaurant.<\/p>\n
Today, those tributes continue.<\/p>\n
Visitors still stop by the bench to leave items in remembrance of Matthews, whose singing and friendly personality made him a familiar face in the community.<\/p>\n
Many residents knew Matthews from his performances in downtown New Bern, while others encountered him at community events throughout the area. Friends say he had a gift for connecting with people and was known for striking up conversations with nearly everyone he met.<\/p>\n
Efforts are also underway to create a permanent tribute to Matthews.<\/p>\n
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Howard Matthews, The Music Man of New Bern” has raised thousands of dollars toward a proposed mural celebrating his life and impact on the community.<\/p>\n
However, the City of New Bern said it has not received any requests from an organization seeking approval for a mural honoring Matthews.<\/p>\n
For now, Matthews’ bench remains a gathering place for those wishing to remember him and reflect on the impact he had on downtown New Bern and the people who knew him.<\/p>\n