Free blues festival set for Saturday

The fourth annual The Blues Is Alright Rhythm and Blues Festival will bring an afternoon of live music to Carrollton's Legends West Park on Saturday. The free community event begins at 3 p.m. and will feature performances by Lakeside, Jelinda Hill and Atlanta-based singer Zeke Potter. The festival is presented by Fred O'Neal in honor of his father, Charlie W. O'Neal, who led a blues band until his death in 2013. Fred O'Neal said the festival began as a way to celebrate what would have been his father's 90th birthday. 'This year is really special as our featured guest, Lakeside, is a platinum selling R&B band that has a great music history,' O'Neal said. Lakeside vocalist Mark Wood also has family ties to the Burwell area, O'Neal said, and his relatives are expected to attend the festival. 'Many of them will come out to reconnect and support him,' O'Neal said. 'We are thankful to the city of Carrollton for their gracious support and look forward to continuing the festival for many years to come.' Hill – a singer, songwriter, U.S. Navy veteran and Villa Rica native – and Potter will join Lakeside for the afternoon performances . Legends West Park is located at 215 Fourth St. in Carrollton. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information, contact O'Neal at 770-328-6420 or Fredo3162@yahoo.com.