New Albany is pulling out all the stops this weekend–Be There!

New Albany, MS- All those who come out this weekend for the ‘doings’ in New Albany will find that there is pretty much something for everyone.

Beginning Friday evening June 24th with the fourth Levitt Amp concert

Friday evening’s fourth Levitt AMP concert will be opened about 7:30 PM by Memphian Grace Askew, and will feature Sam Mosley & the Muscle Shoals Horns. Because they are mighty popular in New Albany, we really don’t need to elaborate on Sam & the Horns, but we will anyway.

Sam Mosley to take center stage at Levitt AMP

Grammy-winning blues musician Sam Mosley has performed for over 40 years throughout the world, much of that time with blues great Bob Johnson, until Johnson’s death in 1998.  Mosley and Johnson began receiving much artistic recognition in the 1980’s, releasing several albums of blues and southern soul, and writing songs recorded by various other artists.  In 2008 Mosley and Johnson were honored with a Mississippi BluesTrail marker, which is here in Union County.

The Muscle Shoals Horns have performed with the best of the best

The Muscle Shoals Horns have been well known in the music world since the 1970’s, and can be heard on countless recordings with artists like Paul, Simon, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, and Elton John, to name just a few. They’ve toured with Elton John, Lyle Lovett and Dobie Gray, and have many fans in this area who love hearing them with Sam Mosley.

Grace Askew, a self-confessed “bluntry” artist

Memphian Grace Askew blends soul, folk, alternative-country, and a New Orleans sound into a mixture of blues and country she sometimes refers to as “bluntry.” Grace appeared on the fourth season of The Voice, gaining much recognition and being dubbed “the most robbed contestant” by Rolling Stone. Her album, Scaredy Cat, was much acclaimed and hit numerous Top 10 lists for 2014.

For family fun, there will be a full carnival midway on the Farmer’s market grounds next to the Tallahatchie bridge on Bankhead Street. The carnival will include food vending, games, and a number of rides, including the Ferris Wheel, Tornado, Sea Dragon and more. The rides will be this week, and will be available for Sam Mosley and Freedom Fest. In addition to the carnival rides, there will be “zorb” balls for rent, as well as pony rides and a petting zoo.

What else could you possibly want? How about  an even bigger day on Saturday?

Continuing Saturday with the Freedom Fest celebration

Wooden Groove, a Mississippi-based acoustic string band

Saturday’s Freedom Fest is a day for honoring the freedom that this great country provides its citizens. Wear your red, white and blue colors to honor our heritage of freedom.

There will be services honoring the Flag, and those who have served and protected, along with concerts by New Albany’s UpStage group, American Reverb, Wooden Groove and others throughout the day. There will be an arts market in the wooded playground area of Park-Along-the River.

Newcomer Melissa Lee will perform Saturday evening

At about 5 PM there will be a flag ceremony, and the First Hand political speaking program, giving people a chance to meet state and local candidates ” up close and personal.” There will also be a pet parade sponsored by the Union County Humane Society, followed by music of the country act Honky Tonk Heroes and up-and-coming country star Melissa Lee.

Confederate Railroad, a long-time popular fixture in country-rock

At about 8:00 PM, Classic country superstars, Confederate Railroad will then take the stage for the featured performance.  An American southern rock-country rock band founded in 1987 in Marietta, Georgia, Confederate Railroad entered the national country music scene in the early 90’s with its unique style and sound. As a former backup band for both David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, Confederate Railroad got their big break by signing with Atlantic Records. “She Took it Like a Man” from their first album rose to number 26 and was soon followed by “Jesus and Mama,” Queen of Memphis” and their signature song, grammy-nominated “Trashy Women.”

After the Confederate Railroad’s performance there will be a professional fireworks show sponsored by Barnes Crossing GMC.

In addition to all of the above, visitors to the New Albany downtown area will find snacks, restaurants,  liquid refreshments of all types, clothing stores, antique shops, and all manner of other “purchasables” from which to choose…all in airconditioned settings.

Sooooo, grab your lawn chairs and come on out to meet up with some friends, hear some good music, have some fun and honor the freedom that we all cherish!

For more details about the day’s schedule: Freedom Festival and First Hand