Erinshire Folk Festival offers

12 hours of live music By Samantha A. Camp

Special to the Reporter-News
October 15, 2004

The Second Annual Erinshire Folk Festival, which is being held at the Erinshire Gardens at 435 College Drive, is a one-day musical extravaganza featuring local folk musicians.

''For $10, they (the public) can see 22 different acts and learn what Abilene has to offer in terms of live music,'' said Jenni Jamison, who is handling publicity for the festival, as well as performing with her group, JamisonPriest. Erinshire Gardens, reminiscent of an English estate, is owned by local musician Bobby Deegan and his wife Cindy. The Deegans purchased the property, including 19 acres and the carriage house currently being used as a bed-and-breakfast, in 1992.

Bobby Deegan began the festival to help local musicians. He noted there are many fine Abilene musicians who can't be heard, much less be paid. ''The idea was to give them (the musicians) a great venue, the best equipment, a wide audience and even pay them a little,'' Bobby Deegan said. He said they expect attendance numbers to hit between 300 and 500 people. Blankets are recommended, as the hillside is not conducive to lawn chairs and the like. There will be food available from Ken Anderson (hamburgers, etc.) and Turnerhill's Grillzilla (barbecue). Outside food will be permitted but alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden.