Monday, May 4
Connecting the Carolinas — Paints and Pints in Spartanburg; Southside Music Cultural Trail in Rock Hill; Kayaking on the Pacolet; Spring Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer; Birdwatching in Whitmire
Paints and Pints May 13 in Spartanburg
By CDD Staff
Come to Rockers/Tako Sushi in Spartanburg to paint a beautiful terracotta flowerpot.
Grab your friends and come paint a beautiful terracotta flowerpot at the next Paint and Pints on Weds., May 13 at 6:30 p.m. You’ll choose your favorite colors and design for your flowerpot! Whether you paint a Boho, floral or other design, you will be proud to display your original, hand painted flowerpot in your home.
Cost is $40 and includes one six” terracotta pot with saucer, as well as all supplies and instruction by Anita of AD Artist Studio.
Bring some friends for a fun night and come early to enjoy a Rockers’ cold brew and a delicious meal from TakoSushi’s tasty new menu.
Please register by May 9 to paint. Click here to get your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flowerpot-paint-pints-tickets-1987367561876?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
All the fun will be at 226-A West Main St. in Spartanburg.
Southside Music Cultural Trail in Rock Hill
By CDD Staff
Come to Rock Hill on May 17 for the Southside Music Cultural Trail Stories Sung Spoken & Shared, a citywide celebration with music art and storytelling. Sponsored by the Rock Hill Economic Development Association, the city of Rock Hill and Rock Hill Poet Laureate, this event will feature The Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra performing works by black and other composers.
Come to see and hear poets, dramatists, storytellers, musicians and more. The more than four-hour event will be held at McGirt Auditorium at Emmett Scott Center, 155 Johnston St. in Rock Hill and is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be open and on site. Events begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 5 p.m.
For more information click http://www.visityorkcounty.com/event/southside-music-and-cultural-trail/16415/
Kayaking on the Pacolet
By CDD Staff
Get ready for an unforgettable day on the scenic Pacolet River. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned pro, kayaking on the Pacolet River is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.
You may check out hourly kayak rentals near the dock, so you may paddle at your own pace without committing to a full trip. All equipment is provided — just bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a sense of adventure. Join other kayak enthusiasts on Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at Pacolet Fishing Pier, 1461 Sunny Acres Drive in Pacolet. There will be later starting times as well.
After your time on the water, stick around for a festival-style celebration featuring live music, water activities, local vendors, delicious food and refreshing drinks.
For more information click http://www.eventbrite.com/e/paddle-the-pacolet-2026-tickets-1985144402346?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Spring Albino Skunk Music Festival
By CDD Staff
Greer’s Spring Albino Skunk Music Festival runs from May 6-9. The natural setting of this outdoor music festival takes you away from the bustle of city life. The festival provides a family reunion atmosphere and introduces you to the talent that may very well become your next favorite band.
The Skunk Farm is a unique music and camping venue in Upstate South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They host two yearly music festivals. SpringSkunk Music Fest takes place the second weekend of May, and the Albino Skunk Music Festival takes place the first weekend in October. Both are often called “SkunkFest” by attendees and artists.
Originally founded as a bluegrass music festival, SkunkFest now features all sorts of mostly acoustic music — including Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alt Country, Acoustic, Roots and Bluegrass.
Online ticket sales end 5pm Tuesday, May 5; get yours by clicking here: https://albinoskunk.com/tickets/.
For more information, click here:
https://albinoskunk.com/
. All the fun will be at SkunkFarm, 4067 Jordan Rd. in Greer.
Visit South Carolina’s only covered bridge in Landrum
By CDD Staff
Rural Landrum has a special place in Palmetto State history, and you don’t want to miss it. Make plans to go see Campbell’s Covered Bridge, which is the only remaining covered bridge in the entire state of South Carolina. S.C. once had 20 covered bridges.
Learn more by clicking here: https://greenvillerec.com/parks/campbells-covered-bridge/.
Exciting opportunity for birdwatchers in Whitmire
By CDD Staff
An ornithologist from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Amy Tegeler, will teach you how to identify birds as she puts on a magnificent outdoor experience this Saturday, May 9 with the Midlands Chapter of Audubon Society. Snacks and drinks provided. All ages are welcome. Take note of event poster above for details about what to bring.
Learn about bird habitat and managing forest and grassland to attract more species to your land. Brought to you by hosts: Quail Forever, S.C. Forestry Commission and Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District.
Get tickets by clicking here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/landowner-field-day-birds-habitat-tickets-1985734676873?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Doors open at 5:30 a.m. The outing goes from 6-10 a.m. Meet at the United States Forest Service station at 20 Work Center Rd. in Whitmire.
Crab Pot
Mother’s Day warm-up with soul classic
By Charles W. Waring III
Mr. Alexander and I left you in the “Pluff Mud” with song lyrics that motivated us. As we approach Mother’s Day, let’s remember how a tune can offer a tribute and get us dancing.
Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday, and families around the nation will honor the mothers in their lives with gifts and lots of love. A ‘70s soul classic, “I’ll Always Love My Mama” from The Intruders embodies the admiration we have for our hard-working mothers.
Philadelphia soul group The Intruders released “I’ll Always Love My Mama” in 1973 as one of the singles from their fourth studio album, Save The Children. The song was written by Philly musical legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records fame and it was released on the Excel/Gamble recording label.
R&B duo and songwriters Gene McFadden and John Whitehead co-wrote the track with Gamble and Huff, which was partly inspired by Gamble’s mother, Ruby, who passed in 2012. Of their two-dozen charting R&B hits including their #1 1968 hit “Cowboys to Girls,” “I’ll Always Love My Mama” remains one of the group’s most loved songs.
Today, the last living original member of The Intruders is Phillip Terry as Eugene Daughty, Sam Brown, and Robert Edwards have all passed, as have the song’s co-writers McFadden and Whitehead.
As only a Soul Train clip can do, get ready to move and groove and crank it up: