Over 80 musicians already slated for 3rd Sings and Strings
Published 12:09 am Wednesday, March 9, 2016
- Peyton Falgoust, 20, sits at the old Garyville Bank with his guitar Monday evening. The bank is one of four locations musicians will be performing during this year’s Sings and Strings Festival, planned for April 10 in Garyville. (Raquel Derganz Baker/L’Observateur)
GARYVILLE — This will be the third year local resident Peyton Falgoust is bringing together musicians, music lovers and those who love food and fun for his brainchild — the Sings and Strings Festival.
Family members gather support Peyton Falgoust, with guitar, and listen to him play some music Monday in Garyville
When he was 12 years old, Peyton went to a music festival and was inspired to hold one in his hometown of Garyville. Now, at the age of 20, he is fulfilling his dream with a record number of musicians slated to attend this year’s third annual event. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. April 10 in the Garyville Historic District, along Museum and Front streets.
Entry into the festival is $5 for adults, and children 12 and younger get in free with an adult.
“There are no words to describe it really,” Peyton said. “Everything is in motion right now. We are trying some new things to make the music more accommodating for the musicians and the listeners this year. We’re putting in speakers and opening up more of the old buildings for people to come in and listen to the music.”
Musicians who register to perform will be placed at one of four locations throughout the festival.
“We’re going to put musicians in Fatty’s Bar; the old pool hall; which was my grandfather’s bar, and the Garyville Bank. We’re going to have speakers in there. There will also be a stage outside near the cook-off tent.”
Peyton stressed the importance of having the speakers at the locations because the noise of the crowd can sometimes drown out the musicians, who are all acoustic. With speakers. festivalgoers will be able to hear and enjoy the music being performed.
Peyton said more than 80 musicians and vocalists had confirmed their attendance at the festival when this week began.
“That makes me feel awesome; I don’t know how to put it any other way,” he said. “Word has gotten out, people are coming and I just can’t wait to see and meet some new people.
“The first year we had right under 50 show up. The next year we had a little over 60, and this year 85 have already signed up. That’s not including anybody who just walks up to the festival with an instrument.”
Those interested in playing at this year’s festival can contact Peyton at 985-233-0168.
Musicians are also welcome to show up to the festival with their instruments to walk around and have jam seasons with others.
“I really want people to come out and really meet new people,” Peyton said. “I want people to come an experience the whole setting and possibly re-meet people they’ve known their whole lives and never knew how talented they were.”
Along with listening to different musicians throughout the day, visitors can sample food from the cook-off, purchase crafts from local vendors and much more.
The cook-off, which takes place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., pits chef’s recipes against one another. Those interested in challenging their recipes should contact Jimmy Delaunville at 225-206-7243.
Local hand made artwork and crafts will fill the streets of the festival all day. Those wishing to reserve a space for a craft booth can contact Tina Guidry at 985-703-1531.
Sings and Strings Festival committee member Paige Falgoust is excited for the new events happening at this year’s festival.
“This year we’re doing a 5K run in the morning,” Paige said. “We are also doing a crawfish eating contest at 3 p.m.”
The 5K starts at 8 a.m., and the fee is $25. For more information, contact Candace McGaff at 504-782-5385.
The crawfish-eating contest takes place at 3 p.m. and cost $20. To reserve a seat, call Duffy Dottolo at 504-451-3927.
Paige said she is excited to see the different musicians and instruments this year, adding in previous years musicians have brought hand-made instruments to the festival.
“Peyton has done a really good job of meeting new people and getting them involved,” Paige said. “There are different types of music that everybody plays, and that’s what makes it unique.”
All proceeds from the festival go toward reopening the Garyville Timbermill Museum, which has been closed for 15 years. Members believe over the past two years they have raised $40,000.
They are hoping this year’s festival raises an additional $25,000.
The overall goal is to reach $1.5 million.
By Raquel Derganz Baker
