NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The inaugural Charleston Music Festival kicked off Sunday morning near the Ashley River in North Charleston.
Locals and out-of-towners came out to hear live music and it was all for a great cause.
Event organizer, Steve Carroll says after months of planning it was great to see the festival come to fruition. “Getting the right people in the right place at the right time and that’s what we kind of did today,” he said.
The festival was held at the Jenkins Youth and Family Village.
Some big-name country musicians were set to perform, like Whey Jennings and Raelyn Nelson, grandchildren of country music icons Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, along with local and regional acts.
Other artists who performed say they’ve been excited to play at this event for months. “I’ve played Bonaroo, I’ve played my Mamaw’s backyard and I get nervous either way,” said country music artist, Ryan Sheley.
Andrew Beam, who is also performing said, “I’m from Cashiers, North Carolina. I have a twang in my accent. The twang is a real thing and I play for real people.”
There were several local vendors set up at the festival serving food and drinks.
Organizers say a portion of proceeds from Sunday’s festival will go to local charities like The Jenkins Orphanage, Wake Up Carolina, and Islands Against Cancer.
“Two of my dear friends, they run charities in town. We grew up together and we support each other. We hope to raise awareness for them and money for them as well,” said Carroll.
“Any time we can get out here on a beautiful day, play music in front of people, do what we love to do, and it all goes to a great cause, it doesn’t get better than that,” Beam said.
The festival will end at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
