By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
April 23, 2001
A new Peavey sound system at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, which officials say is likely to increase revenue, will get its first real test this weekend at a special open house and festival.
Tim Chesney, a county information systems technician who installed the new system, and Marty McCann, Peavey Electronics sound reinforcement technician, are working on a proposal to increase revenue from concerts, Seal said.
The Agri-Center currently rents for $300 a day Monday through Thursday and $400 a day Friday through Sunday.
A demonstration of the new system was held Monday, and a band was scheduled to play for the county picnic Saturday, but this weekend's festival will mark the first time the public can hear the new system at work.
A Spring Music and Arts Festival kicks off with rock, rhythm and blues Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Food, refreshments and adult beverages will be served as people listen to local talent like Jim Slayton, the 2nd Hand Heroes, Gumbo, Kenny Suire and Bill McWilliams with the Mississippi Friends, Dizzy Chair, the Niki Watson Trio, the Dirty Dogs and Kabana.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an open house with food and Pepsi vendors, children's games and rides, painting and graphic artists, pony rides, equestrian events, pole bending, a dressage exhibition, horse show and musical entertainment.
A country and western evening of music, dancing, food and adult beverages begins Saturday at 6 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Recording artist Emily "Tiger" Horton from Nashville will be performing songs from her recent Platinum Plus Records album.
Sunday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. gospel artists will be featured. Scheduled performers include the Bill Mayfield Trio, Unity Five, Gospel Song Birds, Golden Bells, Spiritualaires, Liberty Quartet, Traveling Echo's, Soul Touchers, 2nd Mile, Reverend Baylor &the Inspirations, Narrow Highway and Eleven Day Journey.
Admission is free, and Peavey Electronics has donated four guitars to be raffled off during the festivities to benefit the Peavey House for Abused Children.
Seal said a local man recently booked the Agri-Center for another blues concert featuring three performers next month. He said he's had at least six inquiries about booking the Agri-Center for other upcoming concerts.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.