LA GRANGE -- The annual Garden Spot Festival will be Friday and Saturday in the town’s Community Park. The first festival was held in 1986.
The festival will host an array of activities – from more than 35 craft and food vendors to inflatables, arts, artistic performances and live bands. There will be two new attractions this year. A Cornhole Tournament is planned, and the La Grange Lions Club is sponsoring a 5K/1-mile run.
The event is sponsored by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce. It gives citizens, businesses and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the town, known for its dogwoods, azaleas and lush greenery.
Live music will be provided Friday by Spare Change and Saturday by Backyard Groove.
Based in La Grange, Spare Change got started in 2002 as a four-piece band of friends. Traveling throughout the southeast, they grew into one of the most popular bands in the region, especially among young music lovers, with their diverse portfolio of rock, country, beach, funk, rap and classic rock.
With six musicians and unique instruments, from the mandolin to the violin, these musical artists bring something refreshing and exciting to their fans.
Backyard Groove members are from Winston-Salem, Tarboro, Pinetops, Macclesfield and Charlotte. From music educator to engineer, they represent a variety of professional backgrounds.
Their music influences cover the spectrum. One member cites The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Maceo Parker, Dexter Gordon, Grover Washington Jr., and the Dave Matthews Band as major influences over the years. Another grew up hearing Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, Clifford Curry and even James Brown as a youngster. Later influences, and even performances, included Roy C, Percy Sledge, ZZ Hill, The Dramatic Santanas, Franko and the Gang. Another member credits The Embers and The Band of Oz as influential, was a member of the original Showmen band, and has opened for Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, and The Commodores.
Another member cut his musical teeth on blues, rock, country and soul. And another claims The Dice Band as his first real playing gig. It went on to become the opening band for Clarence Carter. This member later shared the stage with Mother’s Finest, Grand Haze, The Breckman Band, The Dramatic Santanas and Trainwreck.
Needless to say, Saturday evening’s concert will bring music to suit all tastes.
Garden Spot Festival
6 to 11 p.m. Friday; 11a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
La Grange Community Park, Railroad Street
Info: 252-526-1332 or lagrangechamberofcommerce@gmail.com