The 2023 Power & Sound Revival took place on May 19 & 20 in Elon, North Carolina at the Camp Springs Bluegrass Park. The event is put together by the daughter and mother duo of Olivia Jewell and Michelle Williams. This is the third year for the event that keeps growing bigger each year. The park where the event took place is a beautiful place with tons of room for campers, a bathhouse and even a pond complete with ducks. Campers started to arrive on Thursday night (May 18) in their vans, RVs and even setting up tents.
The event started on the 19th with the gates opening at 11:00am. There were lots of talented vendors set up for the two days selling their crafts. There was everything from cigars to jewelry to t-shirts being sold. Thursday was a bit overcast and chilly, but that didn’t discourage some shoppers from coming out to check out the vendors. There was also a henna artist on site as well as a face painter. There were also several food trucks selling everything from donuts to funnel cakes. The concession stand had some amazing food available both days including plates with baked chicken, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and more. They even offered breakfast plates on the 20th with eggs, bacon, sausage and biscuits and gravy.
The live music began at 3:00 with Luke Whittaker taking the stage followed by Lance Rogers. Both performed as a solo artist and acoustically. That can be a hard job to do with such a large area where people gathered, but both delivered engaging sets that got the crowds attention. Other artists performing that day were full bands with Woody Woodworth & The Piners, Kyle Kelly and closing the day was JSW.
On the 20th, there was a big van, car, truck and bike show. They started to roll into the park early that day to get set up for display. There were all sites for people to see. There were several that turned all heads as they rolled into the park. They lined them all up and the owners started to put the finishing touches on their beauties. This is a big draw each year for the Power & Sound Revival with many people showing up at 11:00am when the gates opened to get a look at these fancy machines. The weather that day was mostly sunny with highs near 80.
The music officially started at 12:30 with Andrew Scotchie. Where Friday was more of a country vibe to it, Saturday was definitely rock with Scotchie setting the tone for the day. Ace Monroe from Nashville fired the crowd up followed by Chuck Mountain. Although I just said rock, Abby Bryant and The Echoes performed next. They were a blend of soulful country that was highlighted by Abby’s amazing voice. Jive Mother Mary was next and got the rock going again. Quaker City Night Hawks closed out the live music for Saturday.
Overall, the event was another success! Hats off to Olivia Jewell Williams and Michelle Williams for all of their hard work that went into making this happen. The volunteers need to be recognized for all of their hard work as well. I highly recommend this festival for so many reasons. Be on the lookouf for it next year and come campout with us! Now the planning begins for Power & Sound Revival 2024!
