The third installment of “Music, Moonshine, Muffins & Nuts,” a fund-raising event for the 11th Annual Pennington Festival, will be held Saturday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at the Princeton Art Guild.
“So far, so good,” said Stacey Menser of the Pennington Festival committee.
“We’ve had a great turnout at the last two Moonshine events and hope to see even more people this month.”
The featured performer will be guitarist Sean Mestan, not only an accomplished musician but also a member of the Pennington Festival committee.
Mestan, a teacher at Caldwell County High School who also offers guitar lessons from his Main Street building, has performed throughout the area and has been featured on the Pennington Festival stage.
Mestan said he has invited several guests to perform with him at the March 29 fund-raising event.
Princeton resident Danny Granstaff, a fingerstyle guitarist, will join Mestan on a few numbers. He has also invited Lyon County resident Terry Smith to play a few bluegrass tunes with him.
Mestan will also play and sing with Menser and Nancy Taylor, both festival committee members, for the Moonshine event.
“Sean’s set at the Art Guild will have something for everyone. If you love bluegrass and country, you’ll hear some of that. If you love folk music, you’ll hear some of that too,” said Menser.
“Music, Moonshine, Muffins & Nuts” allows members of the community an opportunity to enjoy music in the intimate setting of the Art Guild’s gallery, located at 115 E. Main St.
Featured in the gallery for the month of March is the photography of Jared Nelson, a Murray State graduate and Princeton native who works for the Times Leader.
“Anyone who has seen the local paper has seen Jared’s work, but what you will find in the gallery is a beautiful display of Jared’s creativity and his appreciation for the colorful characters of our community,” said Menser.
The Moonshine event is free; however, those attending are asked to make a $10 donation. Light refreshments will be served.
“All proceeds will go toward paying our performers for this year’s Pennington Festival, which is set for June 5, 6 and 7 this year,” said Menser. “We have our lineup set and are really excited.”
In addition to two nights of performers taking the Pennington Festival main stage on the Butler lawn in downtown Princeton, the committee will also sponsor a “Backstage Square Dance,” musical workshops and a talent contest.
The square dance will be held Thursday, June 5. Eddie Pennington himself, the man for whom the festival is named, will front a band of local musicians. Susan McElroy will serve as caller.
Friday night’s music begins at 6 p.m. with a set from the Juggernaut Jug Band, followed by Gypsy Wind at 7, Rain Dogs at 8 and Alonzo Pennington at 9.
The music continues Saturday, with talent show finals scheduled for 3 p.m. (a schedule for preliminary competition is being finalized).
The Boys from Kentucky perform at 4 p.m., followed by a patriotic program featuring the Community Choir at 5.
At 6 p.m., the festival will feature a set from Meagan Taylor and Jason Coleman.
Taylor is the niece of guitar legend Chet Atkins; Coleman is the grandson of famed pianist Floyd Cramer.
The Moron Brothers take the stage at 7, followed by a set from Thom Bresh, the son of legendary finger-picking guitar pioneer Merle Travis.
The night will close out with an all-star jam session at 9 p.m.
Any person wanting more information about the festival may contact Menser at smenser@pepb.net or e-mail penfolkfest@bellsouth.net.
For more information about “Music, Moonshine, Muffins & Nuts” or any other activities sponsored by the Princeton Art Guild, email theartguild@bellsouth.net or call (270) 365-3959.
