Entertainment
Some of the bands that will perform include Country Spirit, Beautiful Mess, Speedwell, Project X, Southern Experience and John Gillie and the Heartland Band.
Country Spirit
The Country Spirit Band began in the area about six years ago when local guitarists/vocalists Norm Cole and Chuck Walker got together as a duo using the name “On the Road Again.” The band was renamed Country Spirit and Steve Whiteside of E. Flat Rock, N.C. on bass and Mike Van Dusen on drums joined. The group plays a variety of 60s country, rockabilly and surf and has performed at local clubs and events.
Beautiful Mess
Beautiful Mess is an acoustic-driven band from Landrum and Tryon playing a wide variety of music styles ranging from blues to pop to folk. The band plays covers from popular artists such as Norah Jones, Beatles, U2 and Gillian Welch, as well as original music.
Speedwell
Speedwell was formed in the summer of 2010 and includes Doug Hooper, guitars; Randy Simpson, bass; Johnny Edney, drums and vocals, and Marie Hooper, vocals.
Project X
Project X is a group of seasoned professionals bringing a mix of rock classics with a touch of the obscure, interlaced with originals by local Carey Upton. Along with Upton on guitar and keyboard, band members include Julie Miller, Woody Cowan, Bo Pryor, Calem Upton and Brandon Chase.
Southern Experience
Southern Experience, from Shelby, N.C, includes lead guitarist and vocalist J.T. Fitch; Scott Sanders on keyboards, guitar, harmonica and vocals; Jon Humphries on drums and percussion and Ron Humphries on bass.
John Gillie and the Heartland Band
The Heartland Band originally formed in 1989. It was reformed in 1993 to include members John Gillie, Ron Stoehrer, Joe Drake and Kenny Parker. The band specializes in rock, country and original material. The group recorded the album, “Chasin’ a Dream” in 1996 and played at the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival at Harmon Field in 1993. The band has played at many Fabulous Fourth celebrations in Columbus over the years.
Other bands
Other bands that will perform include Danna Bergman, Red Dog & Rockin Dawgs, Patrick Ballard (Carolina Blues Man) and Joel Teague and Shades of Grey.

 

Fab Fourth schedule of events
10 a.m.     Karen Lawrence will sing the national anthem
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.    Classic Car Show, Great Smokey Mountains and Peach Blossom Car Clubs
10:15 a.m.    Danna Bergman – Guitar and singing
11 a.m.    Red Dog & Rockin Dawgs, blues and more
11:50 a.m.    Dedication of Bryant H. Womack portrait for the Womack Building
12:05 p.m.    Patrick Ballard – Carolina Blues Man
1 p.m.     Joel Teague & Shades of Grey, light rock classics
2 p.m.    Serendipity Kids Ranch of Harmon Field, children’s community singing program led by Lorna Dever
3 p.m.    Country Spirit – rock and country
4 p.m.    Beautiful Mess, acoustic-driven music including blues, pop and folk
4 – 7 p.m.    Motorcycle exhibit
5 p.m.    Speedwell, rock, classic rock
6-6:15 p.m.    Motorcycle program presented by Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield
6 p.m.    Southern Experience, classic and southern rock
7 p.m.    Project X, rock and classics
8 p.m.    John Gillie & The Heartland Band, rock and country
9:40 p.m.    National anthem, barbershop quintet from Crossroads Baptist Church, Columbus
9:45 p.m.    Fireworks