By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
The Brewton Music Festival was smaller this year, with an intimate, candlelit setting at The Ritz — but the event also turned a profit for the first time in its three years, organizer Molly Ruzic said.
Local Den of Thieves band members Shannon Brantley and Steven Dolihite opened for Brewton native Grayson Capps, who was accompanied by violinist Darin Douglas.
Performers had a chance to talk about their music as they introduced songs.
Ruzic dedicated the evening to Hank Locklin, the Brewton native and country music singer who died earlier this year. Locklin’s son Adam was to have been the emcee for the evening but was unable to attend.
The idea for the Brewton Music Festival was conceived by the city’s Quality of Life Committee, which began the event with a songwriter’s competition three years ago. Last year the event hosted the Oak Ridge Boys and Brewton native William Lee Golden.
Proceeds from the event benefit improvements to Burnt Corn Creek Park. Workers are currently constructing a skate park there, and plans are in the works for a basketball court and extended walking trail.
Ruzic thanked supporters of the festival for attending, and gave credit to Walmart for funding the event as sponsor. She also thanked Susan Rhodes for her help with decorations; Megan Lisenby for designing promotional materials; and Phillip Jennings and Michael Bell for hosting musicians.