Two wonderful local artists will open a weekend of hot air balloons and fantastic musical entertainment beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21 at the 38th Annual Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville, North Carolina. Local singer, songwriter Karla Causey will perform songs from her latest album, On My Own, captivating the crowd with her sweet voice and acoustic blend of soul, blues, country and folk.

Burning Bright, another band of regional import on their way to national prominence, recorded their first album in Charlotte earlier this year. They teamed up with Grammy award winning producer Bruce Irvine and engineer Bob Engel to record their debut album “Beautiful Mess.” The album broke the top 200 on sales on iTunes. With the drive to play non-stop, these four talented musicians - Marcus Ireland, Alan Payne, Mark Clendenin, and Travis Howell will wow crowds Friday night.

Saturday, October 22, a slate of musical entertainment will continue to build throughout the day until the Balloons launch. Local Statesville group Little Tobias and Mooresvillian Marie Reid will kick off the music followed by the Al Wood Band with Aaron Woody Wood. More homegrown music includes Scoot Pittman Band from Charlotte. Scoot is an incredibly talented guy folks will not want to miss. Saturday wraps up with the Southeast’s premier party and show band, Band of Gold.

On Sunday, Scooter Muse and Jil Chambless will delight the crowds with their Celtic Sound, followed by Rathkeltair, for the ultimate Celtic Rock Experience. Sunday’s music will culminate with the Southern Fried Musicians Association. This local Statesville Band took a hiatus when drummer Dale Beatty was called to serve the country. Nearly losing his life when an IED exploded, Dale returned to Statesville and with veteran John Gallina founded Purple Heart Homes. The organization is dedicated to providing personalized housing solutions for Service Connected Disabled Veterans and their families. Recognized by TIME Magazine as representing a new generation of emerging leaders, Dale and John are two combat wounded veterans on a mission.

In addition to the live main stage entertainment, the biggest attraction at Carolina BalloonFest is the 50 magnificent hot air balloons in flight Friday afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons, with special shaped balloons, the Purple People Eater and Lake Norman Monster. Carolina BalloonFest also features activities for the entire family throughout each day. Guests can participate in children’s activities in the Kids Fun Zone and shop for gifts and souvenirs at the Artisan Village and Marketplace. Guests can also opt to experience unique 'Tastes of NC Wines & Craft Brews'.

About Carolina BalloonFest
Carolina BalloonFest is an annual event held in Statesville, N.C. Attracting thousands of guests from across the U.S., the family-oriented festival features balloon rides, balloon watching, children’s activities, fine foods and great wines from North Carolina vineyards. Sponsors for 2011 Carolina BalloonFest include Doosan Infracore Portable Power, Energy United Propane Gas and Wells Fargo. Carolina BalloonFest benefits The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Statesville and Purple Heart Homes. Parking is free. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 – 12 and children under 6 are free. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.CarolinaBalloonFest.com

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