Deep Winter Blues

It has been cold and bleak outside, so why not heat things up this weekend? Bring your special someone and enjoy a great day of music and memories on Saturday, Feb. 18 as the Hagood Mill presents “Deep Winter Blues.” The site is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Hagood Mill is proud to present this year’s headliner, Wanda Johnson. A natural-born singer who was brought up singing in church, Johnson’s voice has been compared to the likes of Mahalia Jackson and Etta James. Known for her sultry voice and clever songwriting, Johnson has taken her music to many well-known festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival, Poconos Blues Festival, Cognac Blues Festival and the Eutin Blues Fest. Her original songs have been used in independent films, television shows and in commercial ads.

Hagood Mill Historic Site is proud to have Wanda Johnson perform at this year’s Deep Winter Blues, accompanied by Tico Manley on lead guitar from Seneca and from Greenville, Joe Jones on bass guitar and Tez Sherard on drums.

This year’s lineup also features Freddie Vanderford, Steve McGaha, Kym MacKinnon and Bryan Norris & Friends. Vanderford is a Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award winner and bluesmen. Musical performances run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Upcountry South Carolina is a historical mecca for the blues. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the streets of Laurens County, Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson reverberated with the music of bluesmen/street- preachers as they were strolling with their tin cups extended. Many of these musicians became famous on the streets of New York City in the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s. It is this tradition that is celebrated each February at the Hagood Mill Historic Site.

Hagood Mill will also host a variety of folklife and traditional-arts demonstrations Feb. 18. The Mill will be running and the grits will be grinding.  There will be a local artisans market where you can bring your special Valentine to shop for a unique, handcrafted gift. There will be kids’ activities as well!

The Heritage Pavilion is closed in with tarps and will be heated with propane heaters. As always, we encourage visitors to bring their own seating and to bundle up.