Fall Ball gets warm reception

PICKENS — The first ever Rock the Fall Ball brought Pickens County residents out in force last Friday night to brave the cold and hear some music while benefiting a worthy cause.

J. Adam Broome, Matt Tucker, Benton Blount and Confederate Railroad, not to mention local talent which also took the stage, highlighted an evening of country music and classic covers to the delight of those in attendance.

The cool temperatures kicking off what appears to be winter weather didn’t keep music fans from dancing and singing along and the sounds could be heard all over the city of Pickens.

Confederate Railroad closed the show and even had a moment to interact with the crowd as the stage lights went out and there was a few minutes of down time.

The crowd didn’t seem to mind as it gave them a chance to get up close and personal with the recording artists. Winners of the 1993 Academy of Country Music’s Best New Group, Confederate Railroad brought the fans to their feet with songs such as “Jesus and Mama” and “Queen of Memphis.”

Presented by The Azalea Festival as a new addition, Rock the Fall Ball was about more than entertainment. All the proceeds generated will be distributed to Upstate Warrior Solutions as the featured charity for the inaugural event.

Upstate Warrior Solutions Upstate Warrior Solution is a “nonprofit organization that connects warriors and their families to resources and opportunities, leads them through the process of self-empowerment, and inspires the community to embrace local warriors and their families as valued neighbors and friends.”

Ultimately Upstate Warrior Solutions is looking to reconnect the warrior with his/her community and bring the community awareness of returning veterans’ needs.

By presenting these warriors to the community in a human light, they hope to help alleviate some of the problems and stress associated with the issues veterans face upon returning home and everyday life.

Upstate Warrior Solutions defines a warrior “as any person who is currently serving or has served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of military branch, nature of discharge, or current life situation.”

For those who would like to find out more or contribute their time or resources, contact Upstate Warrior Solutions at 864-520-2073.

Ashland Craft, one of the local talents to open Rock the Fall Ball in Pickens, warms up the crowd on a chilly night.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9913.jpgAshland Craft, one of the local talents to open Rock the Fall Ball in Pickens, warms up the crowd on a chilly night. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

A stage of instruments set deep for act after act for the Rock the Fall Ball.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9915.jpgA stage of instruments set deep for act after act for the Rock the Fall Ball. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

An All-American guitar, signed by members of Confederate Railroad, was the big prize for one lucky concert goer Nov. 13.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9918.jpgAn All-American guitar, signed by members of Confederate Railroad, was the big prize for one lucky concert goer Nov. 13. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Matt Tucker kept the hits coming as he took the stage Nov. 13 in Pickens as part of Rock the Fall Ball.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9926.jpgMatt Tucker kept the hits coming as he took the stage Nov. 13 in Pickens as part of Rock the Fall Ball. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Benton Blount helped rev the crowd at Rock the Fall Ball Nov. 13 in Pickens. Blount appeared on America’s Got Talent this last season and reminisced about his appearance with the crowd.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9956.jpgBenton Blount helped rev the crowd at Rock the Fall Ball Nov. 13 in Pickens. Blount appeared on America’s Got Talent this last season and reminisced about his appearance with the crowd. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Music rang throughout Pickens as band after band took the stage for Rock the Fall Ball Nov. 13 much to the elation of music fans gathered.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9980.jpgMusic rang throughout Pickens as band after band took the stage for Rock the Fall Ball Nov. 13 much to the elation of music fans gathered. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Even though the lights went out, headliners Confederate Railroad still took the stage and made the cold night worthwhile for fans in attendance at Rock the Fall Ball.

https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_9998.jpgEven though the lights went out, headliners Confederate Railroad still took the stage and made the cold night worthwhile for fans in attendance at Rock the Fall Ball. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress