BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The much-anticipated Martin County Harvest Festival is set to take place Sept. 15 and 16 in Inez, promising a weekend of incredible music and entertainment. The festival, organized by the Kiwanis Club, recently unveiled its headlining acts, which include three top bands: The Lonesome Goats, Laid Back Country Picker and Honey, and Turning Ground.
Candy Crum, Kiwanis Club member and the person booking the festival’s entertainment, announced the lineup during a Kiwanis luncheon Thursday at Shufflin Café in Inez.
On Sept. 15, festival-goers can look forward to The Lonesome Goats, a dynamic bluegrass jam band known for their mesmerizing performances. Lead vocalist Chad Hall handles rhythm guitar duties and will lead the charge as the band takes the stage. The band made their mark at last year’s festival. According to Crum, they have since been gaining popularity on the music scene.
Also gracing the stage Sept. 15 will be Turning Ground, a five-piece bluegrass band hailing from Salyersville. Fronted by the talented singer and songwriter Nathan Arnett, Turning Ground has garnered acclaim for multiple album releases. They are one of the most talented and energetic bands in recent years. Their performance is sure to captivate audiences.
On Sept. 16, festival attendees can expect a rollicking performance by the Fallsburg-based country-rawk sensation Laid Back Country Picker and Honey. The band, led by the enigmatic David Prince, has been making waves in the music industry.
“He is really doing well,” Crum said of LBCP’s Prince, who released his newest album, “Go West,” on Tyler Childers’s label in February. “He is going to perform overseas this summer.”
Described as a piece of Kentucky folklore and roadside Americana by Saving Country Music, Laid Back Country Picker promises an unforgettable show.
Prince’s wife “Honey” (also known as Theresa Prince of Luna and the Mountain Jets) adds to the band’s allure. Initially joining the group on bass and acoustic guitar, Honey now showcases her skills on the drums.
Crum emphasized that the festival would also feature a lineup of local bands, allowing talented musicians to showcase their skills.
Additionally, festival-goers can anticipate the return of the popular FTC Wrestling, a crowd favorite from the 2022 Harvest Festival.
Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps announced the festival would feature carnival rides this year.
Stay tuned to the newspaper for further announcements as the countdown to the Harvest Festival continues. Be sure not to miss out on this incredible celebration of music, community and culture.