Carla Carrington and her friends have hosted local bands at their residence in Coolville before, but this weekend will be their first attempt at hosting a music festival.
They’ve dubbed the weekend’s event Rockin’ on the River’s Edge, which will feature headliners Doubleshot, as well as Sassafraz, Hellnaw and Panjoe.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own little festival,” Carrington said. “My friends and I used to tour with bands all the time, and we thought it’d be a good idea to host some of our favorite bands around here one weekend.”
One of those bands is Doubleshot, who will be playing both Friday and Saturday. Doubleshot, a classic-rock band, has played shows together for more than 13 years.
“We played a lot of shows that Carla was at, and that’s how we met her,” said Robert “Booz” Martin, Doubleshot’s keyboardist. “I hope it goes well. It should be pretty fun.”
The festival, which spans from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon, is operating on a casual, pay-as-you-arrive setup, and bands will take turns playing the stage in the house throughout both nights.
There will be additional activities for the attendees as well, including a karaoke contest run by Carrington’s friend, Laura Jordon, or “Lady J,” who said she has been in charge of such contests at larger festivals in the past.
“I’m excited for Carla,” Jordan said. “It’s great that they’ve decided to include OU students in this, and I hope students come out here, because it should be a good time.”
The festival also features several Athens bands, including Hellnaw and Sassafraz, both comprised of Ohio University graduates.
Sassafraz just finished recording in Atlanta and is looking forward to playing this weekend.
“The festival should be a good time,” said Sassafraz’s booking manager and saxophonist Jack Gould. “It’s going to be an old-fashioned, country-jam party. Shows out in the country are always fun.”
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