Mark Brian

I am happy to say that on April 2, the third annual Downtown Sounds returns to the Courthouse Square in Anderson's downtown. I just read the news today, which was kind of weird considering my better half and I were wondering when the event would be starting. After all it is starting to get warmer, and even if it is cooler today spring has sprung! If you don't beleive me, look at all the pollen turning my black car yellow! But at tleast the rain is helping with the pollen and the lake levels.

For those that are not familiar Downtown Sounds is a Free musical event that runs from April 2 to August 27. It features blues, oldies and beach music. Anyway, the layout of Downtown Sounds will be about the same as before. There will be beverage stations outside, one with soda pop and water, another with beer-not that anybody wants to drink a frosty one while listening to the free music! They are moving the ticket booths to a shady spot to help the volunteers stay a little bit cooler.

The event starts at 6 and runs to 9PM at the Courthouse Square. If you get a chance, get there extra early so you can eat at Matty's, which is one of the events sponsors.

I finally had the chance to eat at Gail's Diner at 2105 S Main in Anderson. Looking a the menu, it appears that some of the best deals are for breakfast.

But I decided on a cheeseburger plate. The burgers are hand made, not some frozen patties! And I got mine to go but the amount of french fries and slaw that came with it was alot. The box was stuffed. A great deal for the money.

So if you are looking for a good place to eat that is locally owned and operated, please check out Gail's. Great food at a great price, prepared by great people!

I am not sure if Randy or Paula can tear themselves from Hollywood long enough to attend but anyone interested in performing in the Liberty Idol talent contest should mark April 25, the starting date for auditions, on their calendar.

There will be auditions will be held from 12-3 p.m. each Saturday beginning April 25 through May 16 at the Rosewood Center, 429 E. Main St. in Liberty. Performers will only be auditioned during those hours, on a first-come basis. So get there early for your chance to be a star. In Liberty anyway.

Each Saturday thereafter judges will select the top performers, who will earn the honor of performing that evening. Out of this group, the 15 best performers each week will advance to the Liberty Idol main event.

The town of Liberty has constructed a new pavilion/gazebo to serve as the stage for performances. Last week finishing touches were being applied to the stage along with sidewalks and handicap accessible ramps.

Profits from Liberty Idol benefit the Ronald McDonald House of the Carolinas. For more information contact the town of Liberty at 864-843-3177, extension 4.

I just read about a great chance to hear some good bluegrass and support a local charity at the same time. The Papa John Foster Memorial Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at the Barn at Table Rock State Park. The festival has been moved to the indoor venue due to predicted thunderstorms Saturday.

Two things caught my eye: Funnel cakes and bluegrass. Then top that with finding out this will help local youth to get involved in something good and keep them out of trouble and I had to spread the word.

A group called Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music (POSAM) is sponsoring the concert, with all proceeds going to benefit the Young Appalachian Musicians program, which teaches young students to play bluegrass music.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and the music begins at 11 a.m. and will run until 6 p.m. or later.

The festival is named in memory of Papa John Foster, a great supporter of bluegrass music.

Foster, who until his wife's death traveled with her to bluegrass festivals all over the country, began traveling once more when his granddaughter expressed an interest in bluegrass and mountain music.
Foster's granddaughter keeps that tradition alive as a member of Oolenoy Valley, one of many groups that will appear.

Willow Creek Ranch is approximately 10 miles north of Easley. Take SC 135 from Easley and 2.9 miles north of the SC 186 crossroads turn right onto Dalton Road. The entrance to the festival is one-half mile on the right. In case of inclement weather the festival will be moved to the Barn at Table Rock State Park.


Advance tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and may be purchased at Horizon Records in Greenville, Music Maker in Easley, Jimmy Rogers House of Music in Seneca and Phil's Music In Greer, SC, and at Dacusville Tire.

Tickets will also be available at the gate for $10 and $5.

Concessions will include BBQ, hot dogs, funnel cakes, cakes and cookies, soft drinks and coffee. Bring your own chairs. No alcohol, no coolers, no pets allowed.

For further information about the festival call 864.878.4257 or email posam_info@yahoo.com

I need your help and support in to let your elected officials know how you feel about the Point of Sale tax laws in South Carolina. Check out this website about Unfair SC Tax Laws

H.3272, introduced by Representatives Cooper and Merrill, eliminates point of sale reassessments and includes a retroactive component for properties that transferred in 2007 and 2008, by providing that going forward the property tax bill will be based on the previous valuation before the property transfer occurred. The Ways and Means Committee will consider this vital legislation on Thursday afternoon and will have the opportunity to send the bill to the entire House for consideration, a vital step in ensuring that point of sale is addressed this year.

Please contact your Representatives immediately and urge them to support H.3272 and keep the bill moving forward. This is the single most important economic stimulus that the South Carolina General Assembly could provide for our state.