Beckley holds 4th Annual Bill Withers Music Fest

BECKLEY (WVNS) – Beckley celebrated one of its most famous hometown heroes. The city held its 4 ^th Annual Bill Withers Music Festival at the Bill Withers Plaza. The festival featured musical performances by seven West Virginia musical groups, food and merchandise vendors, the winners of an art competition, and fun activities for all ages.

While this might only be the 4 ^th time the festival has been held, Withers’ music has been celebrated for decades and has fans that span generations.

Judy Patterson, who was in attendance with her grandson Jacob Maatan, shared what brought them out.

“My grandson Jacob is Bill Withers number one fan, as he was introduced in middle school by his music teacher. We have a personal connection because my mother in law, Pauline Morris and Bill Withers grew up together in Slab Fork, played in the Rocks together. So we’ve always been fans of his music since his first recording. We wouldn’t miss it,” said Patterson.

There was a special significance to this year’s festival. The Bill Withers Committee celebrated reaching their fund-raising goal for a bronze Bill Withers statue.

The statue was designed by West Virginia Artist, Frederick Hightower. The committee hopes to install the bronze statue later this year.

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