Band lineup revealed for Nov. 2 Longwood Afternoon music festival

Published 8:58 am Monday, September 16, 2019

NATCHEZ — A crowd of approximately 80 people gathered at 100 Main Spirits & Eatery Sunday evening to hear the music lineup announcement for the fifth annual Longwood Afternoon music festival.

Festival organizer Lou Ellen Stout said the festival—which aims to celebrate up-and-coming local artists — would take place Nov. 2 at Longwood, rain or shine.

“Some of our most widely recognized musicians started out at Longwood,” Stout said to Sunday’s attendees. “Before Bishop Gunn opened for The Rolling Stones, we played them first. … We support young up-and-coming rock and roll artists, and we want you all to come out and support them too.”

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Headlining bands for Longwood Afternoon include The Anteeks, Magnolia Bayou, Ugly Band and Easily Distracted — all of whom originated in the Miss-Lou, Stout said.

Gates to the festival are set to open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Longwood before the bands start playing at noon, Stout said. Tickets are $10 for adults and are free for children 10-years old and younger and may be purchased at the gate, she said.

Easily Distracted — comprised of 15-year-old Tyler Gregg and 14-year-old Bryce McGlothin, both from Vidalia — offered Sunday’s attendees a glimpse of the talent that would be entertaining at the music festival in November and introduced their newest band member, 13-year-old Natalie Ainsworth.

Pat Voss said she attended Sunday’s announcement party with Gregg’s grandmother, Donna Martello, to listen to the band and would do so again at Longwood Afternoon.

“I’m a close friend of their family,” Voss said. “I haven’t been to Longwood Afternoon before but I will absolutely be there this year. I’m looking forward to it.”