While some performers struggle to find gigs during the novel coronavirus pandemic, singer-musician Dixie Barnes says she’s busier than ever.
“With a lot of musicians taking a break from COVID-19, I actually had more concerts,” said Barnes, 18.
“Every weekend in October I have something,” Barnes said. “It feels good to be with my group. I have a lot of things to do.
Barnes is one of the featured artists at the Catfish Feastival at Ware Shoals on October 9-10.
“When I was little I used to go to Catfish Feastival and sing along to recorded tracks,” said Barnes. “Now I have my own group. I don’t mean to be called simple country or pop. I want to make my dream come true and I’m going to Nashville in about a year.
Barnes is a senior at Greenwood High School, with an effervescent personality and a strong stage presence.
Bassist Nick Cane is scheduled to perform with Barnes at the Fall Festival; guitarist Noah Hardin and drummer Jonathan Titus.
Quarantine during the pandemic gave Barnes a chance to focus on songwriting. His debut EP, “Lies”, will be released on October 24 at a party at the Good Times Brewing in Greenwood.
“I take every opportunity I can to get my name known and perform,” said Barnes. “My mom, Ruth, and my dad, Mike, are some of my biggest supporters.”
Barnes said she started singing after having brain surgery for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor in the brain.
“I was diagnosed when I was 9 and had surgery on my 10th birthday,” said Barnes. “I’ve always been that kid who wants to be on stage. My parents bought me a Wii and a karaoke game for it. I started singing a version of “Imagine” by John Lennon and my mom’s jaw dropped to the floor.
From there, Barnes said she started singing in church. Now her eclectic set lists include everything from Guns N ‘Roses and Janis Joplin to Ariana Grande and Gretchen Wilson.
Having such a large repertoire made things like his Hometown Hodges concert, which aired live on September 9, a lot of fun, Barnes said.
Rick Holland, chairman of the Ware Shoals catfish party committee, said restrictions were relaxed during the novel coronavirus pandemic and the committee decided to bring it together instead of canceling the annual party catfish in May amid the pandemic.
At that point, organizers opted to sell food only, Holland said, with most customers opting for take-out or within a certain radius.
“We wanted to do something for the city and the community,” Holland said, noting that there will be food vendors, live music and rides. “Expect catfish, catfish stew, hot dogs, funnel cakes, barbecue, popcorn and peanuts. Wear your masks and keep your social distances. “
Holland said it was the first fall festival organized by the Feastival committee.
To organize the festival, Holland said organizers need to get permission from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
“We had to fill out a questionnaire and it had to be reviewed,” Holland said.
Contact St. Claire Donaghy at 864-992-8934.