PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions announced recently that the featured entertainment for the 19th annual Blue Ridge Fest, set for Friday, May 6, will be Jay and the Americans, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners and Jim Quick & Coastline.

For nearly two decades, the philanthropic event managed by more than 250 Blue Ridge employees, has featured headline entertainment from the late ‘50s and mid-’60s, that together with a display of more than 500 classic cars, is the ultimate retro family experience.

“At Blue Ridge Fest, the combination of a classic car cruise-in, beach music, Motown and classic rock ‘n roll provides a unique way for us to support the community,” said Charles Dalton, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. “Not only are we proud to provide significant funds to 12 local non-profit organizations year after year, we also enjoy providing a way for our guests to step back in time to the good ol’ days.”

At the inaugural Blue Ridge Fest in 1998, the entertainment lineup started out strong with Bill Pinckney, an original member of soul vocal group, The Drifters. In addition, Pinckney performed a second time at the 10th anniversary of Blue Ridge Fest, and The Drifters made yet another appearance in 2013. Not only were The Drifters present in 2013, but The Clovers, another soul vocal group, performed singing their hit “Love Potion No. 9” which peaked at No. 23 on the U.S. music charts.

In 2008, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group called Little Anthony and the Imperials attended Blue Ridge Fest, while Jerry Butler appeared on stage in 2009 performing his hit song, “For Your Precious Love.” In 2010, one of the largest names in Motown, The Temptations, came singing some of their biggest hits including “My Girl” and “Not Too Proud to Beg.” The following year in 2011, Chubby Checker, known widely for popularizing the twist dance style, joined the entertainment lineup. In 2012, Ben E. King impressed

guests with his U.S. Top 10 Hit, “Stand by Me,” sharing the stage with the legendary Jimmy Clanton best known for his hit, “Just a Dream.” More recently, “Mr. Personality” Lloyd Price sang his No. 1 hit, “Stagger Lee” headlining the 2014 Blue Ridge Fest. This year, Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, a doo-wop group out of Pittsburg who are best known for their 1959 hit “Since I Don’t Have You”, and Jay and the Americans, a popular pop music group in the 1960s who hit the Billboard charts with their U.S. No. 3 hit “Come a Little Bit Closer” and another top hit “This Magic Moment,” are are sure to make Blue Ridge Fest proud.

Blue Ridge Fest is known for being the Upstate’s largest classic car cruise-in which annually attracts more than 6,000 guests and nearly 600 classic cars. Since 1998, Blue Ridge Fest has contributed more than $2 million to local non-profit organizations in the Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

The event will take place from 6-10:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s outdoor facility at 734 W. Main St. in Pickens. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Children ages 7-12 are admitted for $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, while those ages six or younger are admitted free. Attendees arriving in a classic car (1979 or older) with up to four people are admitted for $30. For classic cars, line-up begins at 2 p.m., and gates open at 3 p.m.