Albino Skunk Festival, An Upstate Tradition

The Skunk Farm is a unique music and camping venue in Upstate, South Carolina. There’s two yearly music festivals: The SpringSkunk Music Festival during the second week of April and the Albino Skunk Music Festival the first week of October, both often called “SkunkFest” by attendees and artists.
Exclusive Photography: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC

Note: Images are from SpringSkunk2017. Links are current.

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Originally founded as a bluegrass music festival, the SkunkFest features an eclectic mix of mostly acoustic music: Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alt Country, Acoustic, Roots and Bluegrass. This year’s line up included 18 different acts ranging from Greenville’s own Ashford Band, the high-energy rocking, Bottle Rockets to the progressive bluegrass melodies of the Lil’ Smokies. Click HERE for complete lineup.

The “Fes Taa Vul” is held on the grounds of Glynn and Susan Zeigler’s 20-acre property north of Greer. Along with phenomenal music, there are local food vendors, craft beers served up by an OTGG favorite, Community Tap, Handmade Crafts, and a Lil Skunk area equip with playground, SkunkArt Bus, nature trails and activities. You're welcome to stay the weekend and camp too.

In order to make this magic appear, the festival has an incredible team of volunteers and media sponsors. You can contact Dixie aka “The Queen of Skunk” to sign up to volunteer while earning a free ticket for 8 hours of work. In addition to volunteers, there are many media sponsors, such as fête, Edible Upcountry, and iOnGreenville that all contribute to make this colorful weekend a reality.

Skunk Boys, Bob and George have been part of the festival for over 20 years.

Want to do the SkunkFest VIP style? For a couple hundred more, you too can be a “Skunk Ranger,” allowing you entrance, parking, backstage access, food and beverage from Hack’s Cook Shack and of course, the festival shirt.

Shortly after coffee is served, Paul is hard at work in the back stage kitchen whipping up sweet potato casserole under the guidance of Skunk Executive Chef, Smiley. After checking out the cooking in the kitchen, I'd say "Skunk Ranger" is a great deal.

Take a break from the outside world and try camping for the weekend. The general camping pass is only $30; RV/Trailer camping is $60 plus your festival ticket. There are no hookups, but everything is within a short walking distance.

And now, what we’ve all been waiting for… let's go backstage and check out the MUSIC.

Greenville's own Ashford Band with Singer/songwriter Chelsey Ashford accompanied by Sara Giffin. Following images of band members: Tyler Zellmer, Moody Behery, Michael Inks, Patrick Noble, and Ross Krieg.

The Note Ropers

Authentic Honky Tonk Country combined with traditional Rockabilly from Greenville, SC.

Photo credit: Jay Spivey, fête Magazine

Photo credit: Grey Thompson

Need a little break?
Enjoy a colorful stroll up the hill to check out the folks displaying and selling their crafts. Standouts: The Bearded Bear, Asheville’s glass pendant artist, Greenville’s NIAD, henna body art and handmade jewelry and the kind souls at Nomadic Soul who will charge your phone for a smile and tip.

Jackie BrookerNovember 6, 2018