BayFest: musical revolution on Sunday

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Thursday, BayFest Music Festival announced artists on the Coca-Cola stage to play Sunday, October 7, 2012. Organizers said Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rayland Baxter and Rollin In The Hay to hit downtown Mobile.

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals received a Jammy Award in 2006 for “Best New Groove.” Over the course of their career, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals have recorded hit singles like “Never Go Back,” “Paris (Ooh La La)” and “Medicine.”

Grace Potter also recently collaborated with Kenny Chesney on his hit track “You and Tequila.”

BayFest organizers said Michael Franti & Spearhead will bring The Sound Of Sunshine, their latest inspiring album to Mobile.

Spearhead’s album All Rebel Rockers was recorded in Jamaica with legendary producers and players Sly & Robbie and became the biggest hit of Franti’s career, hitting the Top 40 on the Billboard 200.  The album also yielded his biggest hit, the Top 20 “Say Hey (I Love You).

Rayland Baxter is a singer of song, a teller of tale, a picker of strings, and a thinker of things. Born in Tennessee, he tells a story unlike any other, a story full of descript emotion. He is who he is and he tells his unmatched stories. Tradition is a staple in Rayland's music. In any given song, one can hear the faints of his musical favorites, ranging from Dylan to Van Zandt and Johnson to Hopkins.

Rollin In The Hay is a combination of high-octane groove grass with a touch of Renegade Bluegrass. These savvy veterans have been thrilling fans coast to coast for years and were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame as “Music Achievers.” They have opened for artists such as Greg Allman, Moe, Charlie Daniels, The Doobie Brothers, Jerry Douglas, Alabama, and Widespread Panic. Their unique sound has kept fans coming back for more! Over the years, Rollin’ in the Hay has self-released six CDs and have 15 nationally-released instrumental tributes called the ”Pickin’ On” series.

The 2012 BayFest Music Festival will be held in downtown Mobile, Ala., on October 5-7.

Weekend passes are only $45 and are on sale now at www.bayfest.com . Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

The BayFest Music Education and Scholarship Program has awarded $45,000 in scholarships to date. The Better Life Foundation, 3 Doors Down’s charitable arm, is partnering with BayFest, Inc. to provide an additional $10,000 in scholarship funds this year, which will allow BayFest to award a total of $20,000 to area high school students!

The BayFest Music Industry Education Program will be held September 15 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Applications are now available at www.bayfest.com .