LBSPY interviews owner of Pretty Penny Cafe, Blair Campbell, for Reggae Sun Fest.
What is Reggae Sun Fest?
It’s an all day event on August 19th here at the Pretty Penny Café in downtown Hillsboro. We have 4 bands and the music starts at 1pm. There will be 2 stages, 1 indoors and 1 outside, and a new band will play ever 2 ½ hours! If you have children, bring them. We’ll have inflatables for the kids, fire twirlers, stilt walkers, and face painting. We’ll be serving delicious Jamaican foods including: Jamaican doughnuts, jerk chicken, rice, and peas. A portion of the proceeds is going to High Rocks Educational Corporation.
“We are expecting 200 people for this event. Keep your calendars clear this time each year, as this will be an annual event.” – Blair Campbell.
How did you come up with the Reggae Sun Fest?
We originally had a band from Saint Augustine Beach, Florida called I-Vibes (genre: reggae and ska) booked for this Sunday. We then thought about getting a few more reggae themed bands for this day and make it a big all-day event. We called Shawn Owen (genre: beach party vibed rocker), who recently performed at Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg. Also, Lazy Man Dub (genre: roots reggae), and Vern’s Pot O’ Chili (genre: reggae to bluegrass to hip-hop to funk). They all said yes and we have what’s now called, Reggae Sun Fest
“From professional, pre-show logistics to on-stage antics that will keep your audience bouncing, Shawn Owen brings his A-game start to finish” – Sarah Elkins, freelance writer/editor.
How much are tickets and where can we buy them?
Tickets are $20 (advance) & $25 (at door). Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available here at the Pretty Penny Café and throughout downtown Lewisburg including: The Wild Bean, Edith’s Health Food Store, & Wolf Creek Gallery. They are also available online: PrettyPennyFood.com or you can call us to reserve yours: 304-653-COIN.
For overnight accommodations, what places do you recommend?
We suggest the Hillsboro Bed and Breakfast, as its right across the street from us). Also, there’s Barnett Cabins, Watoga State Park, Cranberry Lodge, and Jericho Bed/Breakfast and Pre Civil War Log Cabins.
Do you have any other upcoming shows?
Yes, right now we have scheduled: Girls, Guns, Glory on September 6th. Also, Johnson’s Crossroad on September 20th.
Reggae Sun Fest Band Line-up
Outdoor Stage @ 1pm: IVibes: facebook.com/ivibesoriginal
Indoor Stage @ 4pm: Shawn Owen Band: ShawnOwenMusic.com
Outdoor Stage @ 6pm: Vern’s Pot O’ Chili: facebook.com/vernspot.ochili
Indoor Stage @ 8pm: Lazy Man Dub: reverbnation.com/lazymandubband
HASHTAGWV ART & ENTERTAINMENT Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Christina Entenmann-Edwards has been a WV resident since September 2008. She was born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is no stranger to hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut), Cum Laude, with a B.A. in History. In 2010, she graduated with an M.B.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia). In February 2012, Christina launched HashtagWV as the area’s first full-color, free arts and entertainment tabloid + online platform. Christina completed the Leadership West Virginia class of 2021, which is an innovative program that grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a life passion to move West Virginia forward.