On Friday, June 2 at 9:00 pm, The McCartney Project, pictured above, will take center stage on the Courthouse Square Gazebo.
“The hills will definitely be alive and jumping with the sounds of music when the 28th Annual Blue & Gray Reunion comes to town June 1-4, 2017,” says a Reunion spokesperson.
A variety of music types will greet visitors to the annual commemoration of the First Land Battle of the Civil War in downtown Philippi.
The Blue & Gray Community Choir will sing a few period pieces at the Thursday, June 1 Opening Ceremonies at 6:00 pm on the Courthouse Square Gazebo. A talent show on the Gazebo begins immediately following that night’s Horse and Carriage Parade.
Local talent will be showcased at the Gazebo throughout the weekend beginning on Friday afternoon, June 2. A new addition that will be on the back corner of the Courthouse Square will be the Pickin’ Porch. Anyone wanting to “sit and pick” under the canopy is invited to join in the music.
The McCartney Project, a Paul McCartney, Wings, and Beatles tribute band, will rock downtown Philippi on Friday at the 9:00 pm free concert on the Courthouse Square. The group is led by Tony Burlingame, a left-handed bass player. The Columbus, Ohio-based band has added the Blue & Gray Reunion to its national tour compliments of The Medallion Restaurant and Allegheny Insurance, both Philippi businesses. The public is asked to bring chairs to this concert.
On Saturday, June 3 both local talent on the Gazebo and the Pickin’ Porch will add music throughout the day. The Blue & Gray Community Choir will present its annual Community Concert at 3:00 pm in the Philippi Baptist Church. This annual event always fills the church so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat to enjoy this always outstanding vocal presentation.
On Saturday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Main Street, the general public is invited to join with reenactors as they dance to music of the Civil War era. The Laurel Mountain Ramblers of Elkins will provide the toe tapping music for this lively dance. The public is reminded that the reenactors are always willing to teach the dances to anyone new to the dance floor.
Saturday night’s featured band at the 9:00 pm time slot is the regional favorite, Full Cirkle. Composed of Philippi residents, this long running band plays classical and country rock and has a reputation of rocking its audiences. Guests to this free concert on the Courthouse Square are asked to bring chairs. Lil’ Moe’s is the local sponsor for this concert.
The musical lineup for the 2017 Blue & Gray Reunion gives lots of opportunities for everyone’s music to resonate throughout the hills surrounding Philippi!