Lila Grace Frank is just one of the children that the Shriners have helped in our community, and part of the festival proceeds will go to support Shriners’ outreach. South Georgia’s first annual Briar Patch Music Festival featuring an amazing line-up of artists is set for April 30-May 2 at the site of the old Powerline Restaurant, located east of Hwy. 45-North, on Five Bridges Road. Music genres include alternative country, rock and renegade bluegrass.

The jam gets underway Friday night, April 30, with the Caucasion Invasion playing at 7:30. Gates open at 5 p.m. Other bands scheduled to perform throughout the weekend are Evan Barber and the Dead Gamblers, Yamadeo, Dr. Louis Sullivan, Hayden Smith and Friends, and Destiny Brown Band (featuring Bubba Hall and Tony Brook). Saturday night will showcase Zoso, Rollin' in the Hay and The Bo Henry Band.

Jeb Tabb, spokesman for the event, said he started thinking about how cool it would be to have a small outdoor festival in rural southwest Georgia.

"It started with my band, Caucasian Invasion, and Fat Jackson, from Americus," Tabb said. "I mentioned the idea to my cousin, Brandon Lovering, and he shared my enthusiasm."

Tabb discussed the idea with Albany restaurateur and musician Bo Henry, who was excited to help.

All three men grew up in and around Damascus and think the event will be a great thing for this community. Other Invasion band members, also Damascus natives, are Troupe Tabb, Brian Lovering, Rocky Spurlock, and Preston Phillips.

As for the 'Brer Rabbit theme, Tabb said it just seemed to fit the whole feel of the festival, as he was a folk character native to the state of Georgia.

Owen, Kevin, and Stevie Emerald L Tabb are lending the land and quipment to help make this festival possible.

"I am also a Hasan Shriner, and a portion of proceeds will benefit the Young Guns Club for recently initiated Shriners and Hasan Shriners. These guys have helped out so much and will continue to help out the days of the festival," states Tabb.

Volunteers will be accepting donations at the gate for the Shriners, and a portion of the gate will be donated to the Hasan Temple for transportation of South Georgia children to the Shriners’ hospitals. Shriners’ hospitals have helped with several local area children. Lila Grace Frank, daughter of Julia and Ray Taylor of Colquitt, was born two years ago without full development of her right arm due to amniotic band syndrome. While mother, Julia, was in the hospital after Lila Grace’s birth, she saw a Shriners’ hospital commercial. Her family contacted a local Shriner, David “Doodle” Powell, and he became the baby’s sponsor. Lila Grace has been to the Shriners’ hospital in Tampa twice to be evaluated. When she is a little older, she will be fitted with a prosthetic arm. The doctors at the Shriners’ hospital have told the family she can be fitted for an arm to play any sport. There are no limitations. Through donations made to the Shriners, families do not incur any expenses for medical treatment, travel or lodging. Children up to age 18 are eligible for care at Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, if it is determined that the child can benefit from the specialized services available. Admission is based solely on a child's medical needs. A family's income or insurance status is not criteria for a child's acceptance as a patient. There is no charge for services provided within Shriners’ Hospitals for Children facilities.

With a low ticket price, an awe-inspiring location in the warm Georgia sun and music to stir the heart and set your toes a-tapping, the Briar Patch Music Festival has something for everyone.

Tickets are $20.00 for the weekend pass. Tickets may be purchased online at www.groovetickets.com or at the gate. More information about the festival can be found at www briarpatchmusicfestival.com.