The 26th annual weekend-after-Labor Day festival is planned for next Friday and Saturday at Delano, Tn.
Lynn Poteet said, "We are so excited about this year’s entertainment. We’ve had such an outpouring of bands wanting to perform this year; the show will be bigger than ever."
It will include a special “Welcome Home” for local Knoxville artist, Gary Poteet. Gary and his keyboard have performed in Knoxville for some 28 years. He will be returning from a stay in Texas for treatment of a recently-diagnosed pancreatic cancer.
Ms. Poteet said, "This will be His first performance since returning from Texas and we hope to have a big welcome for him as he promises to sing some of his brand-new material he’s been working on while away from his Knoxville home. Bringing up the rest of the Poteet family spot will be local banker and singer Tim Poteet on his guitar."
The event will include a touch of Southern Gospel on Saturday. The Shepherd's Voice will perform featuring Michael Kitts, another well-known Knoxville artist. This group is currently working on their latest project in Nashville.
Southern Heart from Arab, Ala., includes two blonde sisters with voices that blend like silk. They play the fiddle and banjo.
August Bruce, a violinist trained some 18 years ago in Missouri, will bring her new band “Ripe For The Pickin” to perform.
The Barker Brothers return this year with more experience than their pre-teen years could expect. These young brothers have opened for Ralph Stanley and played at festivals with J.D. Crow and The New South, III Tyme Out, and Raymond Fairchild.
Originally from Copper Hill, the brothers have been traveling the bluegrass circuit gaining more experience and history than most 12 and 16-year-old kids could hope to see.
Tellico River Company from Sweetwater is a returning favorite for all the young folks - with their get up and dance to the oldies inspired by Bob Dylan and Pure Parrie League.
Curtis and The Ole Tyme Strings from Chattanooga feature claw-hammer banjo, rub-board, harmonica, plunger-phone, ballads, humorous songs, and lots of just plan funny stuff.
A staple and very important piece of the weekend will be the performance from Southern Cross from Birchwood. Multi-talented Martin Adams may be seen playing anything from guitar to bass to banjo and generally telling some real funny stories. Banjo picker and multiple contests winner Ed James along with some newcomers from south Polk County will surprise you with their new arrangements.
A new group, Bluegrass Travelers, with some old friends, Hayes and Mitch Dickson, will perform on Saturday only.
The gospel show on Saturday starts around 5 p.m.
The Delano Lions Club will provide concessions for both days with ice cream, popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs, deserts, and featuring their famous BBQ on Saturday.
The site is one block off Highway 411 between Etowah and Benton, Tn. Turn at Delano Branch Bank, go one block to venue. From I-75 take exit #36 towards Calhoun. Turn right onto U.S.-11. Turn left at the red light (by Hardies) onto Tennessee 163 estimated 12 miles then turn left at the sign.
Music starts Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Fees are $6.00 and $7.00 respectively. Bring lawn chairs for outside amphitheater venue, rain or shine.
For more information, contact Lynn Poteet at (423) 338-7498 or email at lynnpoteet @bellsouth.net