And while you're waiting for the parade to begin...

Fayssoux McLean and Brandon Turner will entertain everyone waiting for the City's Irishfest 2008 parade to begin with their unique blend of "Americana" music from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 15, in front of the Michael Gaffney Log Home.

Following the parade, McLean and Turner will again take the stage for a short performance from 10:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

According to an article by Music Journalist, McLean's dusky, wonder of a voice has graced some of the most acclaimed and important country albums of the modern era. A friend and singing companion to Emmylou Harris in the days before Harris' ascent to stardom, McLean went on to sing with Harris on several now-classic recordings McLean will soon release her own debut album.

On the stage here in Gaffney, McLean will be accompanied by guitar wizard and singer - songwriter, Brandon Turner.

"His guitar playing is so good it is startling," McLean said. "He responds in his own unique way to a note played or sung, with phrasing that allows the song to live. His respect of the process and the other musicians is such that he was an integral part of my recording sessions in Nashville…He can tell when to keep a low profile and when to push it to the edge. He held his own trading licks with Ricky Skaggs and Lloyd Green, and I was proud of his work."

According to Peter Cooper of The Tennessean, "Brandon turner is the oldest young guy I know. He plays like he's had a hundred years to ponder the world's beauties and terrors, yet he's still a pup. He's been a formidable guitarist since he was too young to get a fake I.D., and he is aging like wine. I'd listen to him, if I were you".

Brandon Turner also has a CD, 'The Catfish Brothers,' he recorded with fellow artist, Joe Littell in 2006. On this album, you find not only their original music, but also the fresh approach they give to their native Piedmont Blues.

The City of Gaffney invites everyone to come downtown early to enjoy this concert by two of the best musicians, singers and songwriters here in the south. Let's give them a big, warm "Gaffney Welcome" as we prepare for the Irishfest parade and full morning and early afternoon of music and fun activities for all ages on Saturday, March 15.