Tommy Townsend, steps on the gazebo stage on the historic Hayesville Square at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19.
Country music will shine brightly when “Singer/Songwriter/Moonshine Maker” Tommy Townsend, steps on the gazebo stage on the historic Hayesville Square, for the fourth concert in the 2026 Friday Summer Concert Series.
Being invited onto Waylon Jennings’ tour bus to talk music when he was a youngster was fate for Blairsville, Ga. native Townsend. Already a drummer and fledgling guitarist, he wanted a Telecaster because that’s what Waylon played. As a teenager, Townsend met Jennings again and gave him his legendary bassist Jerry Bridges a demo-tape. “Jerry took me into the studio to record when I was a senior in high school and then Waylon jumped on board and he and Jerry started producing my stuff. I guess I was too young to realize what a legend he was.” Jennings taught him to put yourself in the song and see if it fits you.
Townsend’s album “Southern Man” features the late Jennings on guitar and vocals. The album’s tracks were recorded in two separate sessions, about 10 years apart, in the 80's and 90's. It remained in storage until discovered by Chuck Rhodes of BDF/Audium Nashville and finally released under their label in 2022.
Townsend tours as a solo artist and as part of Waymore’s Outlaws, a group that features longtime members of Jenning’s famed band, The Waylors. He’s had projects produced by Shooter Jennings and The Maverick’s frontman Raul Malo, and a few weeks ago took the stage with Waylon’s grandson, Whey Jennings, in Nashville.
We can expect a great night of country music spanning the decades. Townsend will also shine a light on his other passion — Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. — maker of high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted moonshine, spirits and beer. Located in Blairsville and Dawsonville, Ga., Grandaddy Mimm’s will add a third pop-up store in Hayesville this Friday for tasting and purchases.
This is the fourth of eight concerts in the 2026 Friday Summer Concert Series. Hosted by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. The concerts are free to the public, made possible through sponsorships of local businesses. The 2026 Key Sponsors are RE/MAX Town & Country – The Richard Kelley Group; Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Jodi Sullivan; Hwy. 69 Storage and Nantahala Bank & Trust Company.
In addition, the series is supported by American Legion Post 532; Historic Hayesville Inc.; Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge and the Clay County Historical & Arts Council. Donations to the red buckets on concert nights and the hard work of many volunteers make this Hayesville tradition possible.
You’ll need plenty of energy to clap, dance and sign-along, so plan on supporting this week’s food vendors. Papa Kash; El Viejon Mexican Food and the American Legion will all have their grills working overtime. Non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine will be available for purchase.
The concerts are always kid and leashed dog friendly, and wheelchair accessible. Bring your family and friends and blankets or comfy lawn chairs to the Historic Courthouse/Beal Center courtyard. Food and beverage service begins at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19.
Parking is available on nearby streets. Wave down the Red Rider cart for free transport to and from your car, courtesy of HHI. In the event of inclement weather, check the CCCRA Facebook page: facebook.com/cccranc for updates.