By Pamela Dodson
Staff Reporter

pdodson@thepccourier.com

PICKENS — The sound of country music filled the air around Pickens Friday night as fans from around the area came together to enjoy the Rock the Fall Ball.

The event, which was organized by the Pickens Azalea Festival Committee, gave country music fans the chance to enjoy name-brand talent in a hometown setting. The concert was held at Pickens’ historic Bruce field to benefit Upstate Warrior Solution.

Pamela Dodson/Courier J. Adam Broome

Those in attendance were on their feet the entire night enjoying music from headliners Confederate Railroad and “America’s Got Talent” star Benton Blount. Other local artists Matt Tucker and J. Adam Broome also wowed the crowd with their performances.

One of the highlights of the evening was a special raffle held by the organizers giving those attending the concert a chance to win a patriotic guitar with a

Pamela Dodson/ Courier Benton Blount

hard case and other extras donated by Art Maco, owner of Cornerstone Christian and Music Store in Pickens. The guitar was signed by all of the artists who performed at the event.

After Blount’s performance, Derrick Popham, an organizer of the event, joined both Tucker and Broome on stage before the winning ticket was pulled to serenade the crowd with a Luke Bryan hit.

Pamela Dodson/ Pickens County Courier  Stansell, Maco announcing raffle winner

The guitar was presented to local resident Tammy Anderson by Maco and Azalea Festival committee member Susan Stansell.

After each performance, Popham, who works with Upstate Warrior Solution, took the stage along with fellow Veterans to explain how the nonprofit organization assists local servicemen and women with community-based solutions right here in our neighborhood. Their programs help restore a sense of purpose by offering outreach, healthcare, education, housing and family support for local warriors.

According to event officials, advance ticket sales contributed $102, and raffle ticket sales brought in $580 to benefit Upstate Warrior Solution.