Final ‘Final Friday’ of the year

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By Joseph Pratt

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Final Friday in Boneyfiddle has been ongoing since late spring, providing visual arts and crafts, as well as a full itinerary of musicians, for a summer of fun and true Appalachian culture. The event will be hosted for the final time of the 2015 season this week, with a wide variety of talent.

The events began last year, under the direction of local entrepreneurs and artists Charlie Haskins and Gail Valentine. The two have stepped back this summer and allowed friend Robert Black to take over the planning.

The musical acts have shifted to showcase more regional talent, verses relying on Scioto County musicians. It has also incorporated a few other additions, including a monthly beautification award.

The downtown community has embraced the festivities. The Final Friday events have local businesses operating under extended hours so guests can explore and discover what Boneyfiddle offers. Various food outlets are present as well, keeping the guests fed so they can enjoy the evening.

The lineup for the upcoming performances includes Richard Moon, Cat Cirner, Gary Andrews, Of the Dell, and Dennis Uldrich.

“Friday will be the last free concert of the 2015 season,” coordinator Robert Black said. “We’ve watched each event grow in attendance and support. The lineup for this Friday is packed with talent culminating with the retro rock band ‘Of the Dell.’ These young, long-haired rockers out of Huntington play the Stones, Beatles, and Zeppelin like crazy. This is a must attend event. Bring a chair or blanket and your P’town spirit.”

One of the highlights of the evening will be another performance by local legend Rich Moon. Co-founders Valentine and Haskins explain it is always interesting to watch the crowd react to Moon perform. Whenever Moon takes the stage, nearly the entire crowds quiets down and phones are held high to record the performance.

“I think people feel a sense of wonder when they see a side of someone’s personality they didn’t know existed,” Haskins said. “When Rich plays, people record and want to share it. They are captivated by his performances because of his talent and love for music.”

The performances last from 5 to 10:30 p.m. The stage is erected in a field north off Second Street, between Court and Market Streets. The field if often packed for a long evening of fun and entertainment, so guests are encouraged to bring a blanket for the kids and lawn chairs for comfort.

The event has given a venue to over 50 performers and Black says there is even more talent to tap into.

“As I often say, when I’m bragging on the area,” Black said, “I believe the talent pool up and down the river is deep.”

Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.

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Submitted photo A musical act at the August Final Friday in Boneyfiddle.
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2015/09/web1_ff.jpgSubmitted photo A musical act at the August Final Friday in Boneyfiddle.

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