ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Come on out and enjoy the warm spring air while you listen to live on-stage performances by our amazing local talent. While you tap your feet to the beat, come browse our beer garden – you’ll find many unique craft brews in our roped-off area close to the stage. Peruse beautiful handcrafted artwork and browse our car show while enjoying our local cuisine, restaurants throughout downtown Murphy will be joining in the celebration.

WYATT ESPALIN & FRIENDS

Entertaining audiences in his hometown of Hiawassee, Georgia as early as age eleven, Wyatt’s passion for music was obvious, even from the barn room stage built by his grandfather. While working as a raft guide and caring for his ailing grandfather, Wyatt began writing the songs for his debut album The Pardon. His music combines electric guitar with traditionally bluegrass roots, leading to a noticeably unique sound.

Proudly sponsored by Interstate Welding & Steel Supply, Inc. for the 2018 Murphy Spring Festival.

SCOTT STAMBAUGH & THE FRIENDLIES

Either on stage with his backing band The Friendlies, or performing solo in a more intimate setting, Scott James Stambaugh will leave a mark. For some it’s the good-natured humor he brings to every performance, and for others it’s the heartache and beauty of his more serious-minded material that sticks. Few who listen, however, will leave untouched. Having always had great fortune in collaborators, Stambaugh is honored to be joined by Colby Beck (percussion), Tom Pelczynski (keyboards), and Hal Roddy (bass), collectively known as The Friendlies.

GNARLY FINGERS

Gnarly Fingers is a five piece acoustic band that specializes in three part harmony. “The Gnarlies,” as they’re known to their fans, have been pleasing audiences in North Georgia and western North Carolina for almost ten years. They cover The Eagles, Tom Waits, and Butch Hancock, in addition to their original music.

DOTTIE

The band is named after the tame deer that lives near their recording studio and serves as their mascot.

Proudly sponsored by Blue Moon Elise for the 2018 Murphy Spring Festival.

ANDREW CHASTAIN

Growing up in the small town of Murphy, located in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina, Andrew developed an interest in music at an early age. He would later go on to sing on the local radio station, WKRK, during Sunday morning preaching. After the release of their first EP in April 2016, the band kept momentum going by playing gigs in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and touring in Florida.  The band is currently working on new material and gearing up for new stages and new songs!

Proudly sponsored by Stricker Law Firm for the 2018 Murphy Spring Festival.

HEIDI HOLTON

Holton began young, leaving western North Carolina to play in rock bands in Athens, GA and New Orleans, before the blues called and she answered. Having studied under the great Jorma Kaukonen and then disappearing to Alaska’s arctic interior to perfect her craft, her blues chops have come honestly: She is no poser. She is no tourist. Heidi Holton is the real deal, delivering traditional finger-style blues with a twist, blending the old and new into a saucy gumbo that is as riveting as it is charming.

Proudly sponsored by Movie Time Murphy for the 2018 Murphy Spring Festival.