This years Cotton Festival is welcoming several new events but, the one that will keep the crowds moving to a beat will be The Bank of Fayette County Music Fest. The Bank of Fayette County has generously stepped up with sponsorship to provide the event with staging and sound which will provide the backdrop for a day full of entertainment. They are joined by Fayette County Young Farmers and Ranchers and New Castle Gin Co., who will be sponsoring the bands.
The 9th Annual Cotton Festival will kick off at 9AM on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Historic Somerville Square and bands will begin on stage at 10AM. The Cotton Festival Committee has worked hard to host a lineup of entertainment that will be appealing to all ages and will keep the whole family entertained. One band was good, two was better but, because sponsor generosity, entertainment will last all day and into the evening.
The morning kicks off with Cypress Creek, an award winning bluegrass band with a positive message. It all started with two neighbors in rural Fayette County in 1986 getting together to pick and sing a little. Over the years it has grown into a band that has won awards and fans at festivals and shows throughout the South. You’ll understand why they are booked so regularly for return dates.
Next on stage will be The Blueshealers with an eclectic collection of delta blues, jug-band, roots and folk music! All of the "Healers” are long standing performers in Memphis and the Midsouth.
Next on stage will be another local favorite, Bob Turner Jazz Octet, known through the Memphis area is an eight piece band consisting of Trumpet, Trombone, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Piano, Bass, Drums and Vocalist. The band plays a wide variety of music from the 1920’s to the present. They play swing music by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and many original arrangements which have been written specifically for the band. Not only does the band play swing music but they also play rock, rock ‘n roll, country, funk and a large selection of ballroom dance music.
Headlining the days music will be Victor Wainwright Boogie Blues Review. Victor will take the stage around 4PM and is guaranteed to have you dancing in the street. Victor is known throughout the South for his flamboyant piano, his unique style of old blues, boogie-woogie and roots rock. Hailing from Savannah, GA, Victor has recently made Memphis his home. This is one act no one should miss.
Finishing out the night will be Grassfire, a bluegrass band that interprets traditional bluegrass with a driving modern sound. This group consist of seasoned entertainers including Randal Morton, Five-string Banjo National Champion in 1975.
Imagine this entertainment combined with the Cotton Festival Charity Show and Shine sponsored by Corvette Memphis, the Cotton Pickin’ 5K Run/Walk, the Cotton Festival Beauty Pageant, arts and crafts and good food. Everything you need to spend a great day in Fayette County. So mark your calendars, bring your chairs, grab your family and friends and head to the Historic Somerville Square. This is an event for everyone to enjoy..
