Wyatt Espalin is returning to the gazebo stage to close out CCCRA’s summer concert season.
By Victoria Ewing Ware
Guest Writer
Friday Night Lights on the Hayesville Square wraps up the 2023 concert season at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18 when the talented local singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin returns to the gazebo stage.
Entertaining audiences in his hometown of Hiawassee, Ga. as early as age eight, Espalin’s passion for music was obvious, even from the music barn stage built by his grandfather on the campground where he was raised. While accomplished on the fiddle, guitar and mandolin, it is Ewing’s songwriting skill that has garnered him awards at the L.E.A.F. festival, Merlefest, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Shootout and the Songwriter Serenade. Espalin performs solo or with a revolving set of talented musicians.
Espalin will be joined on the square by the “Riverstones,” Erin Worley and Michael Jones.
Hayesville Q will have their BBQ truck on site and Hayesville’s own Laughing Dogs Brewery will offer beer, wine and cider for sale. Hotdogs and popcorn will be available from the American Legion Auxiliary, raising funds for veterans.
Food and beverage service starts at 6 p.m. Free transportation to and from nearby parking areas is provided on the Red Rider, courtesy of Historic Hayesville Inc. Youngsters can join in games and activities in the kids zone, courtesy of The Still Place. Bring your family and friends early and find a good spot for your lawn chairs or blankets.
Don’t miss your last chance this year to enjoy a small-town treasure, Friday Night Lights on the Hayesville Square, brought to you by Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. CCCRA’s free concerts are made possible through sponsorships from private individuals, businesses, organizations and from donations to the red bucket on concert nights. Key sponsors for the 2023 season are Clay County Historical & Arts Council and the Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge.
If forced to make a difficult decision to cancel or reschedule any of our Friday night concerts due to weather, an announcement will be made on both the CCCRA website and the CCCRA Facebook page. You can also email at: office@cccra-nc.org.