News

Jump Off festival scrapped; downtown Block Party will be 'shaggin' in the rain'

By Bill Moss, Published: June 7, 2019

Facing a forecast of heavy rain this weekend, the Friends of Laurel Park called off the Jump Off Rock Music Festival and other organizations canceled events, too, but organizer Darlene Das says Saturday night's Block Party on Main will go on. "We're going to be singing and shagging in the rain," she said.

Also called off was the Concert in the Park at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher, with Appalachian Fire, rescheduled for June 29, and a work day at the bike park at Jackson Park, rescheduled to June 22.

The Friends of Laurel Park said it was working to reschedule the festival for August or September.

"Save your tickets, they will be honored at the event," the Friends said. "If you want a refund, go to our website and send us an email...or, you may donate the ticket price to support our organization. Check our website at www.friendsoflaurelpark.org or like us on Facebook to get more details on the rescheduled event."

On Saturday night, one of the original members of the Swingin' Medallions, trumpet player Carroll Bledsoe, will sign copies of his book on the band's history and will play a few songs with the band. The book, “An Insider’s History of the Swinging Medallions,” chronicles the origins of the Greenwood, South Carolina, band best known for their platinum 1966 hit "Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love).” Shag lessons start at the Visitors Center at 5:15. The show is 6-10 p.m. between Allen and Caswell streets.

The forecast calls for rainfall totals ranging from 4 inches in the Hendersonville area to 6.5 inches in Brevard and 7 inches in the South Carolina Upstate through Wednesday. Chance of rain is 80-90% Saturday and Sunday.