When spring arrives in Spartanburg, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for a fling!

There are surprises on every corner, whether it’s a stage filled with non-stop entertainment or new attractions. The festival features four stages, offering everything from entertainment options for the little ones in the Family Fun Zone to national entertainers playing their hits for one of the Upstate’s largest and most enthusiastic crowds.

In addition, each year Spring Fling includes a wide variety of food and market vendors, special attractions like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium cycling race, and our Family Fun Zone for the kids. There’s definitely something for everyone at Spring Fling!

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is returning to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville at 7 p.m. on April 23. The festival is set to feature a blues honor roll of performers and legends alike, including Tucka, Ronnie Bell, Pokey Bear, Nellie Tiger Travis, Lebrado and Calvin Richardson.

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is presented by North American Entertainment Group Inc., one of the leading independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.

ABOUT TUCKA

Tucka James is a songwriter and amazing artist. He’s in a lane of his own coming out of New Iberia, LA. Tucka James hit the scene in 2010 and never looked back. The ladies love his swag and style. Along with the charming voice. Tucka James has set standards that have never been set, he has performed in many states and cities. He has a unique flavor of music. You can never get enough of his hits such as “Candyland,” “Don’t Make Me Beg,” “Country Road,” “Sweet Shop,” “Booty Roll,” and so many more. He has collaborated with many other artists. They don’t call him Tucka for nothing. He’s a force to be reckoned with. There’s no stopping Tucka James.

ABOUT RONNIE BELL
Ronnie “RnB” Bell grew up in the small town of Walker, Louisiana. Since the age of five years old he sang in his church choir at Gloryland Church of God in Christ in Walker. RnB quickly became popular due to his extraordinary vocal ability at such a young age. At the age of fifteen he began to sing alongside his mother, uncles, and his late Great Uncle George Perkins as a member of “George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony”, a gospel-recording group based in Hammond, Louisisana. A year later after growing restless of quartet singing, he joined Kenneth Mitchell and the Voices of Praise. In college, he became a member of the world-renowned Southern University Concert Choir directed by the great Charles Lloyd, Jr. While under the instruction of the Legendary Dr. Issac Greggs and Mr. Lawrence Jackson, RnB performed at the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands in the New Orleans Super dome in 2004, 2006, 2008, & 2011 as a guest soloist with the Southern University Marching Band. At Southern University, RnB opened for Juvenile and 112 while performing at the annual homecoming 2006 in both the halftime show and the annual concert. In 2008, RnB opened for Erykah Badu and Bun B in the Spring Fest at Southern University. Currently Ronnie Bell has transformed himself into a new genre of music with two Hit Singles: “Cotton Candy” and “I’ll Pay The Shipping Cost.” Both at one point number one Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out songs in Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and sweeping over the Southern Region. Ronnie’s new label R.E.E.L. Entertainment Group has joined forces with Worldbeat Entertainment to take the Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out genre by storm with his highly anticipated debut album “Ronnie Bell 365” released on May 5, 2020. But he has not forgotten his true love and genre of R&B and Soul. He plans to release a series of EP’s showcasing his talents so all the fans can experience his flavor of music.

ABOUT POKEY BEAR

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid.

ABOUT NELLIE TIGER TRAVIS

Nellie Tiger Travis couldn’t be more destined to sing the blues. Born deep in the delta in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Nellie grew up singing gospel music. During the mid-eighties, Nellie was lead vocalist for the Mississippi based group “SSIPP,” opening for acts from Dee Dee Warwick to Ray Charles. Since relocating to Chicago in 1992 Nellie has been an undeniable force in the Chicago Blues Community. Koko Taylor was a major influence, mentor and friend to Nellie. Koko took Nellie under her wing after she witnessed an extremely emotional performance immediately after Nellie’s mother had passed away. Nellie has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and performed at numerous national and international festivals and clubs. Nellie has performed in Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil, as well as her hometown in Mississippi. She has shared the stage with such greats as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Glady’s Knight, Ronnie Baker Brooks to name a few. Nellie’s latest release “I’m Going Out Tonight” was released on March 18, 2011 with a star-studded release party at Buddy Guy’s Legends.

ABOUT LEBRADO

Lebrado Wilson first broke out into the music industry with his guest vocal appearance on his older brothers’, K-Ci and Jo Jo’s single entitled “Suicide” from their year 2000 album “X.” Continuing and expanding on his brother’s legacy, Lebrado’s released his debut album, Try Me, in 2006, which included his first hit single “Missing You, Babe.” His highly anticipated sophomore LP entitled Fire was subsequently released in 2009; its popular single “Fire” featuring his brother K-CI.

ABOUT CALVIN RICHARDSON

Born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, Calvin Richardson is the fifth of nine children and the son of a Gospel singer. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: as a kid, Calvin’s mother led a Gospel act called The Willing Wonders and Calvin was the group’s youngest member. His first solo album, Country Boy, was released in 1999 by Universal Records and featured the singles “True Love” (featuring Chico DeBarge) and “I’ll Take Her” (featuring K-Ci Hailey). After being dropped by Universal, Calvin eventually rebounded and landed another record deal, this time with Hollywood Records. In September 2003, he released his second album, 2:35 PM.

The album, which was named after the time that his son Souljah was born, featured the Grammy-nominated hit “More Than A Woman,” featuring Angie Stone. Other singles from the album were “You’ve Got Me High” (featuring Slum Village) and “Keep On Pushin’.” Most recently, Calvin signed with Shanachie Records. His first Shanachie album, When Love Comes came out May 27, 2008. It was followed by the Grammy-nominated Bobby Womack tribute album Facts of Life in 2009 and an all-new album, America’s Most Wanted, in 2010.

The festival will take place at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC. We will kick-off on Friday April 22nd and have a celebratory weekend of film through Sunday April 24th. For more information visit www.reedyreels.com

Reedy Reels Film Festival promotes the appreciation of the art of film-making while generating support for independent film-makers especially in the Upstate of South Carolina. The festival will engage the community and create exposure for local film-making while building inspiration and new opportunities for local artists.

When spring arrives in Spartanburg, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for a fling!

There are surprises on every corner, whether it’s a stage filled with non-stop entertainment or new attractions. The festival features four stages, offering everything from entertainment options for the little ones in the Family Fun Zone to national entertainers playing their hits for one of the Upstate’s largest and most enthusiastic crowds.

In addition, each year Spring Fling includes a wide variety of food and market vendors, special attractions like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium cycling race, and our Family Fun Zone for the kids. There’s definitely something for everyone at Spring Fling!

Inaugural Italian Heritage Festival. April 30th, Noon-8:00 pm. N. Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC. Live music, dancing, singing, food, drink, crafts, photo opportunities, shopping and several 50/50 raffles. Rain or Shine. No pets.

Website: www.AshevilleHerbFestival.org

Contact 828-301-8968 or 828-301-3010 for additional information.

Celebrating Strawberries!!!
Let’s have a local cookoff competition!
40 Farmers Market Vendors
Entertainment from @Deepdishdixielandgreenville
Food Trucks Rambo Dogs & Lobster Dogs
Do you make an amazing Strawberry treat or just love tasting all the foods?!
Join us May 17, 4:30-7:30pm for a tasting of all things strawberry!
1 Tasting = $1 Tasting Ticket
Proceeds benefit your Greer Farmers Market.
Individuals, businesses, and restaurants can join in the competition. FREE registration fee and custom trophies will be AWARDED! Super fun event, come on out the Greer City Park!
For details and signup: https://form.jotform.com/220963589445165
To volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4dabaf2da6f9c34-greer
Volunteers get Free Tasting Tickets!!!!

• May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.

The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”

Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”

Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.

Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.

Join Fireforge for an evening of energetic, soulful funk with the Full Effect. The Full Effect brings the heat. These musicians are all incredibly talented & take their shows to the highest levels of musicality. Dancing is likely to ensue.

The Well Drinkers are a bluegrass group based in the Southeast that blur the line between traditional bluegrass and their own brand of Neo-Appalachian Newgrass, with a twist of Swampgrass and Delta-Blues. With their southern roots, it’s not hard to imagine why the beauty of bluegrass holds such a special influence over these musicians.

The Abbey Elmore Band, fronted by singer-songwriter Abbey Elmore, delivers a blend of Indie Pop and soulful Rock. Ranging from laid-back grooves to high energy jams, their repertoire consists of original music as well as progressive versions of pop songs and new takes on classics. The Band released their first full-length album, “Dear Darling,” in 2016, with the follow up, “I Know You’re Probably Sick of my Love Songs”, released in 2018. The band has since been traveling the country playing clubs, festivals, bars and breweries.

Rivertree Singers desires to delight and inspire their audiences with meaningful and life-giving experiences that enrich the heart and mind.

Join Rivertree Singers & Friends on June 18th at 7:30pm to experience an unforgettable performance of the intimate and powerful Requiem, Op. 9, by French composer Maurice Duruflé.

Published in 1947, this masterpiece of his 11 published works is a gem in the 20th century choral repertory. The Requiem is based entirely on Gregorian themes which are reimagined and presented in flowing mixed meters and a harmonic wash of French impressionism. The performance will feature a 90-member choir of Rivertree Singers & Festival Friends, the Festival Orchestra and Eastman School of Music doctoral student, Daniel Minnick as our organist.

The evening’s program will also feature an 8-minute solo work for organ. Daniel will perform the Allegro movement from Symphony for Organ No. 6 in G minor, Op. 42, No. 2 by Charles-Marie Widor. You won’t want to miss this thrilling performance.

On the final day of Fireforge’s 4th Anniversary celebration, June 19th from 3:30-6:30 PM, Fireforge is thrilled to present the Wobblers! The Wobblers are a roots band based in Upstate, SC! With a heavy emphasis on New Orleans-style rhythms and unique instrumentation, the band pulls from a wide variety of influences. Gospel blues, organ-heavy, hard-bop jazz and old-school twangy country make for a well-rounded and high energy show.

Join us on Monday, July 18th at 5:30 pm for a special In Conversation event with the most produced playwright of 2019-2020, Kate Hamill! She’ll be chatting with the director of her new play, Shelly Butler, about making the adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter a reality.

The cast will be doing a staged reading of this brand new play on August 12th, but you can join Kate and Shelley at our store on July 18th for an in-depth look into what turning a novel into a play really looks like.

This is a free event!

Find out more about the reading and the SC New Play Festival online.