1 p.m.: Shelby native Mason Cole is making a name for himself with his blend of country and Americana at regional venues, including music festivals. He recorded, mixed and mastered all 15 of his original songs on his first album, Lonesome Again. His latest single is “Lattimore”.
2:15 p.m.: Falling Forty-Two is an energetic group founded by sisters Emily and Kate Strickland of Shelby. Emily (electric bass and vocals) and Kate (electric violin and vocals) along with Nathan Fowler (guitar and vocals) and Evan Gray (drums) combine high-energy performances to provide a unique take on music with a positive message.
3:30 p.m.: The Bailey Marie Band features Charlotte-based singer, songwriter and actor Bailey Marie. She has found her niche as a country/pop artist, performing across the country at iconic venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York, the Roxy in Hollywood, Universal Studios in Burbank, California, and various venues in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee. . Bailey Marie has written over 60 original songs with Nashville hit writers and is currently working with a Grammy nominated producer.
4:30 p.m.: Tangerine Trees is a Gastonia-based Beatles tribute band that drew an appreciative audience on 2022 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Tangerine Trees consists of four lifelong musicians led by Roger Leonhart (vocals/guitar), Scott Moon (drums/vocals), Jimmy Ennis (bass/vocals) and John White (guitar).
New to the festival this year is a classic car show that will line Lafayette Street from the Shelby Café to Graham Street and the Pleasant City Wood-Fired Grille. Also, Cleveland Community College will create a YetiVille featuring all of its sports teams and various departments, including the Yeti mascot.
The children’s area will be bigger than previous festivals with more attractions and games. Living statues of baseball characters and multiple performances of the “Who’s On First” comedy sketch will enhance the baseball theme, along with a batting cage and pitching machine.
The new ALWS mascot, AL, will sign autographs and interact.
Members of the US Army Parachute Team, Golden Knights, will interact with the crowd.
“We’re connecting the festival directly with ALWS,” Holbrook said. “This has always been an ALWS kickoff event, and this year we’re asking vendors to create a baseball theme for their booths. We add baseball-themed games and entertainment to emphasize the connection. The Golden Knights will be playing twice during the baseball tournament and people at the festival will have the chance to meet some of the skydivers… Add to that our increased musical performances and we expect a huge attendance for our 10th year.”
For information on becoming a festival vendor, sponsor or volunteer, go to alwsfestival.us or call festival coordinator Kim Davis at 704-600-6599. To register for the Little Miss American Legion World Series pageant, visit alwsfestival.us.
