Music Notes
The 20th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival is set for April 16-17, 2021! The festival team is excited to welcome visitors safely back for the fun, family friendly event that includes live performances by Cotton Pickin’ Kids- a gospel and bluegrass group from Cullman.
The Cotton Pickin’ Kids is a group of siblings that range in age from ten to eighteen who all began playing instruments at a young age. Savio (18) decided in 2017 to start competing in music competitions. Mother Elizabeth explains that this decision “inspired the other children to do the same.” This led to the children joining together as a group. Savio (18) plays mandolin; Therese (17) plays lead fiddle; Cecilia (15) plays the acoustic guitar; Rosalinda (13) plays harmony fiddle; Gianluca (12) plays banjo; and Giovanni (10) plays dobro guitar. Fabio, their father, sometimes joins in on bass.
At the Magnolia Festival, expect to hear some great music from The Cotton Pickin’ Kids including gospel and instrumental cover songs and several originals performed in the group’s bluegrass style. “They always try to have variety in their shows” says mom Elizabeth. Where did the name Cotton Pickin’ Kids come from? Elizabeth says the group was at a competition but didn’t have a name yet. “My husband went to sign the children up and they asked what the band name was. He hadn’t thought about that part,” she laughingly explains. “All of the sudden the name Cotton Pickin’ Kids came to him and it stuck.” To get a sneak peek on the kids performance, you can listen to them on www.facebook.com/cottonpickinkids.
What else can you enjoy at the Magnolia Festival? There will be more than 160 vendors in addition to a car show, pooch parade, petting zoo, artisan demonstrations, pony rides, art classes for kids and more! What about food? There will be unique food vendors that offer cheesecake funnel cakes, shrimp and oyster poboys, polish sausages, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, foot long corn dogs, homemade ice cream and more! Learn more at www.magnoliafestival.org.
-Melissa Armstrong
