PICKENS — On September 22, nine great bands will entertain throughout the day at the first annual Founders Day Music Festival on Main Street in Pickens.

“We were honestly amazed at the response — the number of great bands, from all over the area, that asked to be included in this event,” said music events chairman Daniel Brazinski.

As of press time, the award-winning bands scheduled to appear on the Blue Ridge Stage include Most Wanted Bluegrass, New Dixie Storm, Pine Pop Revival, Shannon and Heather Slaughter and Weasel Creek. The impressive list also includes Carolina Backroads, Slick Nickel, Dejablue Grass, the Sweet Potato Pie Kids and Pickens High Bluegrass. The day begins with New Dixie Storm performing at 11 a.m. and ends with Weasel Creek playing for Contra dancing beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair to enjoy the entertainment in comfort.

In addition to the bands, the event will bring hundreds of bluegrass, old-time, country and folk musicians together to “jam” on Main Street, lost craft demonstrations, vintage vehicles, old time kid’s games, traditional food and craft vendors, living history demonstrations and much more.
The Pickens County Museum will offer several special events on Founders Day. Jeanette Moody will be demonstrating quilting in front of the Settlers Cabin exhibit. Daniel Brennan, dressed as an authentic Confederate soldier, will read historical letters as part of the “War Between The States” exhibit, and Nick Hallman, a Heritage Award-winning musician, will offer Appalachian-style fiddle playing in front of the “Music of Pickens County” exhibit.

“We are also thrilled to offer visitors a chance to ‘step back in time’ and have a photograph taken, on special sets and in period costumes, by Adventure Photography,” said museum curator Helen Hockwalt.
Organized by the Pickens Revitalization Association, Founders Day Music Festival’s generous sponsors include the historic city of Pickens, Cornell Dubiler, Blue Ridge Electric Co-op, Nestfeathers Gallery of Art, Great Oaks Dental, Pickens Guitar Company and the Roper Law Firm. For additional information, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer benefits, contact the PRA office at 878-0105.