Apple Festival will have variety of musical entertainment

You know the end of summer is near when the North Carolina Apple Festival comes to town.

This weekend, organizers have selected nine free live music gigs to drown out the crunching of people eating fresh mountain apples in the downtown streets of Hendersonville.

“The Apple Festival provides all kinds of music on the main stage in front of the Historic Courthouse!” said Pat Shepherd, one of the festival’s co-chairs for entertainment.

She and John Shepherd have been lining up acts for the Festival for more than 40 years. “There is definitely a band for everyone to enjoy!”

Indeed there is: Everything from the big band sound of the Buddy K Band to the country gospel of the Carolina Quartet to the funk of Free Flow Band and the dance-like-no-one-is-watching party band The Mighty Kicks.

The music starts Friday afternoon and won’t end until the last high school marching band finishes the King Apple Parade Monday afternoon.

There is a lot of music to choose from, but don’t worry about missing anything. Pat and John have organized it so that all acts will be at the Historic Courthouse with no overlapping.

Yes, you can hear it all as you munch on apples and consider what it really means to celebrate Labor Day Weekend. However, Pat said the biggest draws will probably be the Buddy K Band on Friday, the Flashback Band on Saturday and The Might Kicks on Sunday.

You can hear the big band tunes of yesterday, the pop hits from the ‘60s forward, and then throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care.

“We have a little bit of everything from big band, country, bluegrass, ‘60s, ‘80s, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and party bands!” she said.

For those who take Labor Day to heart, Pat pointed out… “A special event this year will take place on Saturday in the sky! The Bandit Flight Team will fly over downtown Hendersonville in an aerial salute to America.

“Six planes will fly in formation above Main Street at noon. A patriotic musical tribute at the historic courthouse stage will coincide with the flyover.”

We’re not sure if the patriotic music will be live or not, but stand up and be proud as you look into the wild blue yonder.

“The North Carolina Apple Festival is hoping everyone will enjoy the festival and stay healthy by wearing a face covering at many events,” Pat said. “All the entertainment is outdoors, and we encourage you to bring your own chairs and find a great place to enjoy the music!”

Salute! 

North Carolina Apple Festival

Downtown Hendersonville

Friday-Monday, Sept. 3-6

Friday, Sept. 3: Lazruve, ‘80s tribute band, 1-2 p.m.; Buddy K Band, big band music, 6-8 p.m., Historic Courthouse