Every year on the first Saturday of November, Laurel, Mississippi hosts a huge concert called Laurelpalooza to showcase local talent.
The first Laurelpalooza occurred in 1994 and continued until 2006. In 2016, local musician Chad Knight made it his dream to bring it back and use it as a platform for up-and-coming musicians. For the past four years, the event was held at Slowboat Brewing Company, but this was the first year it was moved to the Knight Butcher stage.
“This was The Knight Butcher’s 5th year presenting Laurelpalooza and even through a pandemic, it was very successful. Thanks to all our staff, backstage crew, sponsors and volunteers,” Knight said. “We couldn’t do it without them!”
The organizers of Laurelpalooza hope that each year is bigger and better than the last.
While various artists at Laurelpalooza are local or from the surrounding area, there are several Jones County bands from now and the past that perform. Some of the bands that played for the 2020 event include Saving Plymale, Paul Johnson, and Waiting for Brantley.
One local artist who appeared at Laurelpalooza this year is Thomas Jackson, and the headliner for the event was Robbins N Lawless. Fans can find an original song or two by both of these artists on the official 2020 Laurelpalooza Compilation CD along with other original songs by different artists. The CD is available for purchase now only at The Knight Butcher for $10 (cash only). Purchasers can grab one, but only a limited number are available. All proceeds raised will be donated to the official Laurelpalooza mission, which is to help raise money for payment for local bands to play at the Loblolly Festival and the Laurel Arts League Day in the Park.
For more information on next year’s band line up, keep a check on the Laurelpalooza Facebook page. All ages are welcome to come to the event and admission is free. T-shirts are available to purchase and all proceeds raised will be divided equally between Laurel Main Street and the Laurel Arts League.
by Loren Jones