Performers announced for Henderson Festival

MOUTH OF WILSON — The Gibson Brothers will headline the 18th annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition on June 16 at Grayson Highlands State Park near Mouth of Wilson.
Also appearing are Charles Welch, the Water Tower Bucket Boys, Larnell Starkey and the Spiritual Seven, Dori Freeman, and Wayne Henderson and Friends.
Twenty guitar competition contestants will have the chance to win a handmade Henderson guitar. Scholarships valued at $10,350 will be presented to young musicians studying Appalachian music and the groups that support them.
The Gibson Brothers are the 2011 IBMA vocal group of the year.
The Water Tower Bucket Boys, from Oregon, offer a mix of bluegrass, folk, country, punk rock and Cajun sounds.
Larnell Starkey and the Spiritual Seven are a gospel group of brothers, sons and cousins from Wirtz. Dori Freeman is a 20-year-old influenced by traditional Appalachian music.
Performances (rain or shine) are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A children’s area will feature lariat artist Doug Smith and his rope tricks, along with music, crafts and games.
Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic if you wish. Meals, ice cream and concessions be available.
Admission is $10, and children 12 and younger get in free. A portion of proceeds will benefit scholarships for young musicians. Parking costs $3.

See details and directions at www.waynehenderson.org.