Young Appalachian Musicians Kick Off Concert Series

Some homegrown talent helped Pickens officials celebrate the opening of the city’s new amphitheater Saturday evening.

The Sweet Potato Pie Kids, the performing arm of the Young Appalachian Musicians, assisted officials with the ribbon-cutting then played the amphitheater’s first official concert.

Mayor David Owens thanked those who made the amphitheater possible including the engineering firm of Seamon Whiteside & Associates, contractor Durham Greene and City Administrator Katherine Hendricks.

“She’s done a whole lot to make this happen. I’m not going to say 100 percent, but it’s pretty close,” he said. “Council had a little bit to do with it. They’ve done a lot of research and meetings to make this happen.”

Sen. Larry Martin said the new amphitheater returns its site to its original purpose.

“I’m told that … this was the spot in Pickens where camp meetings were held,” he said. “This is a spot where people in previous generations have gathered to meet and to have a good time and to come together as a community. We look forward to many events that will be here. This is a great day to be in Pickens.”

Rep. Davey Hiott congratulated everyone for the efforts in transforming the site.

“It’s amazing what looked like a big pile of kudzu can look like now,” Hiott said. “What better way to start it off than with our local YAMs group. They’re homegrown and they’re very, very talented and I know they’ll go a great job. You’ve got a lot to be proud of in these young people back here. I’ve heard them several times and they’ve always done an excellent job.”

For the Pickens’ amphitheater’s summer concert schedule, see here.