The SoulFeathers at AMF
Written By Rob Heilig
What, you may wonder, do bails of three-string alfalfa and a six-string guitar have in common?
Saturday night May 10 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken you can see the harmonious combination of these two sets of different strings, and more!
The SoulFeathers headline the 2025 Aiken Music Fest season opener this weekend. Gates open at 6:30pm, with The JW warming up the stage at 7.
Fronted by Ridge Spring native and Clemson grad Reid Watson, The SoulFeathers bring an amalgamation of musical styles to the stage self-described as “Country Funk.” With influences including, but not limited to The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Little Feet, and other country and gospel standards of the southeast, their first album entitled “American Soul” brought a harmonious, blended mix of different American styles of music to listener’s ears. And they’ll be available for your ears Saturday night.
Reid is joined onstage by drummer James Hall, lead guitarist Warren Davis, rhythm man Ben Long, and Nathan Hawkins on bass. Alicia Miller rounds out this strong mix with her vocals. While their rolls may be named here in print, each member brings their respective talents to various songs- don’t expect to see one man (or woman) fronting every song throughout the night.
Speaking of songs, when asked what we can expect Saturday night, Reid replied “90% originals with some covers mixed in.” This is likely to change like the forecast we’re all watching, and will be highly dependent upon the vibe the crowd (yes, that’s YOU and YOU, and even YOU) is resonating back to the band. So bring your dancing shoes and best whistlin’ and hootin’ voices!
My normal “what’s playing in the van” question not quite applicable in this case, Reid tells me he’s been listening to a lot of Billy Strings’ new album ‘Live At The Legion’ lately. (Hard to find fault in that choice.)
For those who wondered about the relationship between horse hay and guitars, Aiken County Farm Supply has been a valued sponsor of Aiken Music Fest for years, and Reid Watson is now the owner of ACFS, having purchased the business from his uncle Pace upon Pace’s retirement.
Thanks to ACFS for their support, and to Reid for bringing the sounds of SoulFeathers to the stage Saturday night.
If we’re lucky, we might just see someone play us a tune on a bale of good smelling three-string hay!
