Musical prodigy EmiSunshine will headline the fourth annual International Cowpea Festival and Cook-off presented by Bush Brothers & Company and set for Saturday, Sept. 12 in the Charleston Park.
Organizers said, "Whether she is performing on the Today show, the Grand Ole Opry or Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, this 11-year-old from Madisonville, Tn. is fearless, confident and firm in her musical direction. Her family says as soon as Emi was old enough to walk down the aisle she began singing in church. Her parents filled their house with music by Buddy Miller, John and June Carter Cash and Emmylou Harris, just to name a few. Those influences served as a foundation on which Emi built her own sound.
"She has captured the nation’s attention as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist steeped in Appalachian music. The Tennessean is just the latest to describe her as an “old soul.” While her youth would remind you more of Taylor Swift, a more apt comparison would be to artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss or members of the Carter Family."
“We are so excited to present this incredible young talent,” said Melissa Woody, festival co-chair and vice president for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Development. “Her unique vocal abilities and commanding stage presence will surely amaze our audience. It’s going to be a great show!”
Ms. Woody says Emi is a great fit for the “downhome” character of the festival. Emi says she sings “old time music,” but it is her own blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel and country mixed with a touch of blues.
EmiSunshine will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. for this free concert. The show is sponsored by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Organizers say festival goers should bring chairs and plan to stay all day to enjoy activities, and great festival food from more than a dozen food vendors.
The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with activities throughout the day. Leading up to EmiSunshine, live music begins at noon with Rockin’ Rangers from Red Clay, followed by Stormy & Adrian, Rhinestones & Cowboys and The Holloway Sisters and Outta the Blue. The opening band, Cash Only, is sponsored by Don Ledford Automotive Center and plays at 5 p.m.
“We have so much talent in our region,” Ms. Woody said. “We are proud to showcase so many great artists at the festival. All of the artists are as country as cowpeas, but each present their own style and brand of country music. We invite everyone to enjoy the variety.”
The Whirlpool Cowpea Cook-off features professional chefs preparing recipes using a variety of cowpeas from Bush Brothers. Whirlpool brings five gas ranges for on-site cooking demonstrations in the park. Festival goers who purchase a $5 souvenir spoon can taste the culinary creations and vote for their favorite. Tasting will take place from 2-5 p.m.
An Amateur Cook-off will feature student chefs from high schools in Bradley and McMinn counties and will be judged by a panel at 11:30 a.m.
The Museum Center at 5ive Points is hosting a cooking demonstration Sept. 10, the Thursday night before the festival at 6 p.m. The presentation will feature two-time Cowpea Crowd Pick Chef Richmond Flowers offering some of his favorite Cowpea Creations.
This “harvest festival with the funny name” is rooted in the area’s authentic agricultural heritage. Charleston was once known as the cowpea capital of the United States because of the large amount of peas grown in the area and shipped to markets far and away. “Cowpea” is the general name for the crowder pea, black-eyed pea, cream pea, silver-hull and other field pea varieties known as vigna unguiculata.
“This unique festival is a great way to recognize an authentic agri-heritage as well as a protein-rich food that is a big part of our Southern diet,” said Darlene Goins, festival co-chair and treasurer for the Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society. “Charleston is just full of surprises, and the fact that the small community was a major exporter of this staple on our tables is another interesting chapter in Charleston’s story.”
In addition to music throughout the day and the Cowpea Cook-off, the festival will feature storytelling, character greetings and a family fun field with games and air toys. A marketplace will offer handmade arts and crafts, fresh produce and booths featuring festival sponsors and heritage information telling Charleston’s nationally significant history. A character greeting, sponsored by Murmaid Mattress will feature the “Princess and the Cowpea” for photo opportunities. Food vendors will have popular festival food favorites available for purchase. The festival website www.cowpeafestival.com includes information on activities and is being updated with more scheduled items on a daily basis.
Homestead Lawn & Tractor sponsored a photo competition for amateur photographers. The theme is “Happea on the Farm” and is in the judging phase now. Winning work will be printed by CPQ Professional Imaging and displayed at the festival.
In addition to afore mentioned Bush Brothers, Whirlpool, Don Ledford Automotive, Homestead Lawn and Tractor, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Arts Commission, CPQ and Murmaid Mattress, “V.I.Pea” sponsors also include, Companion Funeral & Cremation Service, Haney Meat Company, Olin Chlor-Alkali, Resolute Forest Products, John Thompson Produce, East West Billboard Advertising, Wampler’s Farm Sausage, Piggly Wiggly and Cleveland State Community College. Cowpea Pals include Ace Hardware, Beaty Fertilizer, Blossman Gas, Cleveland Daily Banner, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Farm Bureau of Bradley County, Farm Bureau Insurance, Farm Credit, Hampton Inn, New Friendship Baptist Church, River Valley Ag Credit and WCLE Mix 104.1.
Any proceeds from the event will go toward the operations of the Hiwassee River Heritage Center, which opened in May 2013 and is located on Highway 11 in Charleston.
Anyone interested in supporting this community effort should contact Melissa Woody at 423-472-6587 or Darlene Goins at 423-413-8284.