IF YOU GOWhat: Half Moon Festival.When: 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday.Where: Watts Bar Lake, Ten Mile, Tenn. Parking at 118 Christy Lane.Admission: Free; donations accepted.Phone: 865-717-0584.Email: waynetipps@hotmail.com.Website: www.halfmoonfest.com.
The Half Moon Festival returns for its 13th edition Sunday in Ten Mile, Tenn., with the same laid-back vibe that has permeated its earlier incarnations.
Whether they’re fans of bluegrass, Southern acoustic music, country or jazz, members of the audience should find a reason to tap their toes during the afternoon, according to Dr. Wayne Tipps, who organizes the show.
The yearly showcase of area talent “allows a delicious blend of music and a relaxing day spent in the scenic Blue Springs Cove of Watts Bar Lake,” he said in a news release.
The lakefront staging allows listeners to pull up a camping chair or a party barge to listen to the music.
Featured in this year’s lineup will be the Lone Mountain Band, Nancy Brennan Strange and the Mount LeConte Jug Band and The Possum Hunters.
The headliner is the East Tennessee Concert Band, directed by Dr. Ric Best, an ensemble of classical musicians dedicated to excellence in symphonic band performance, Tipps said.
The free festival is made possible by the Roane County Alliance and Blue Springs Marina.
“The event is our way of giving back to the area” said Tipps. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy the natural resources of the area as well as enjoy some fantastic music.”
DIRECTIONS FROM CHATTANOOGA
Via U.S. 27: Go north to State Route 68, which crosses Watts Bar Dam. Go south on 68 to State Route 304, turn left and go about 9 miles to Half Moon Shores Drive.
Via I-75: Go north to the second Athens exit. Exit onto State Route 305. Turn left and continue to State Route 68. Go left on 68 to 304 North. Turn right on 304 and go about 9 miles to Half Moon Shores Drive.
By boat: The festival is at Cane Creek (also known as Blue Springs Cove) across from Mile Marker 547. Enter the cove at no-wake speed. The festival is on a peninsula on the right across from Blue Springs Marina.