So, here is your insider's recap of the Awendaw Green Music Festival. Last Friday, Awendaw Green house engineer Nat Mundy picked me up from my house and we went to the festival site to get the sound gear ready. Festival organizer and Awendaw Green owner Eddie White (along with Mundy) had arranged to have the best state of the art gear available for all of the four stages. We worked throughout the day and late into the night to get everything set up.

I was assigned the sound duties at the Singer /Songwriter stage in the location of the weekly Barn Jam. First up was Jesse & Friends, which is local guitarist Jesse Judy and his young students. He has approached music teaching in a very interesting way by booking his school as an act for night clubs and festivals. I think it is genius, as it gives these young and upcoming musicians valuable stage experience as they grow musically. After a few students played solo sets, the whole group got onstage and played, with Judy leading them through a list of great songs.

Up next was Rosanna Hendrix, who at 8 years old displayed talent beyond her years. Her capable songwriting and playing were the perfect vehicle for her almost pitch perfect voice. And did I mention that she had a smartly color coordinated outfit to match her cute little purple guitar?

Great performances came from a long list of artists, which included Mac Leaphart, Howard Dlugash, Stratton Lawrence, Dan Wright, Tim Hodson, Emily Lynch, Jordan Igoe, Will Lewis, Emily Hearn, Steven Fiore and Mark Bryan. I have got to give the MVP award for that day to Reid Stone. Between the big stage and the singer/songwriter stage, he played about five times on Saturday, showcasing his own songs as well as expertly backing other artists. I also have to give props to Elise Testone, who did a guest appearance during the set with Dlugash, Lawrence and Stone. The richness and emotive quality of her voice, combined with her musical ability, makes me believe that she could go far in the music business.

On Sunday the wave of talent continued with Ed Hunnicutt, David Bethany and Eric Scott Guthrie opening the stage. This grouping, although different in style, worked together well and added to each other's songs with background vocals, lead guitar as well as some amazingly haunting harmonica from Guthrie. If you weren't there, you missed something special.

Up next, 12-year-old Samantha Kirchstein paired with local solo artist Jamisun. As they took turns playing, it was amazing to see their mutual admiration for each other's music, which was as different as night and day. Also, Jamisun added some very tasteful fills and leads to young Miss Kirchstein's well-written songs.

"Connectivity and musical cross pollination, that's what this is all about!" remarked White to me as he circulated the festival, overseeing the details.

Until next time, be nice and support live music.