BY BUGS DIXON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — As the clock wound down on 2023, a select group of music enthusiasts gathered at the Collier Center for a special New Year’s Eve celebration.

The evening was an exclusive prelude to the 2024 Appalachian Artist Festival (AAF), featuring an intimate acoustic concert with musicians Cody Christian, Phill Barnett, and Brayden Mullins.

Inez City Commissioner Jennifer Wells, the event’s organizer, expressed her gratitude for the gathering and her excitement for the upcoming festival.

“I am thankful for Cody, Phill and Brayden, who chose to spend their New Year’s Eve sharing their talents with us here in Inez, as well as the outpouring support of the community for this event,” Wells said.

The exclusive concert served as a taste of what is to come in August when the new stage in downtown Inez becomes the epicenter for the Appalachian Artist Festival 2024.

The evening was filled with soulful singing and a sense of anticipation for the annual celebration of regional artistry. Each of the artists showcased their unique talents playing original songs and covers.

“I look forward to seeing them all again on Aug. 3 for the Appalachian Artist Festival,” said Wells. “I hope 2024 will provide us many more opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.”

As Christian finished his set, the new year in Inez began on a hopeful note.

The Appalachian Artist Festival, scheduled for Aug. 3, will celebrate music, culture and the arts. With the continued support of the community and the dedication of artists like those who performed New Year’s Eve, it is sure to be another unforgettable experience.