Carolina Express Performs at Labor Day!

12:45-1:45pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

The 114th Annual Canton Labor Day Festival is super excited to announce that Carolina Express will be playing on Monday, SEP 5 at 12:45pm in Sorrells Street Park in Downtown Canton. Presented by Champion Credit Union and sponsored by Ingles Markets.

Carolina Express was formed by brothers Jonah and Grayson Riddle. Jonah is 16 and Grayson is 11. Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Jonah has been playing the banjo for 4 and half years. From the first time he picked up the instrument, he fell in love. He started out playing at church three times a week. Because he enjoys bluegrass and gospel music so much, he decided to start his own band – Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express. Jonah’s brother Grayson, plays guitar and does vocals. He has been playing guitar for almost 2 years. From the time he was only 5 years old, he would pick the guitar at church services. Jonah and Grayson credit the Lord for their playing and singing talent. Their dad, Benjie Riddle, plays the upright bass.

Jonah and Grayson have had the privilege of picking on stage with many great artists: Doyle Lawson, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Balsam Range, Ralph Stanley II, Nu Blue, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, and Kody Norris. They have performed at many concerts and venues across the country, including The Ryman Auditorium Courtyard, the North Carolina State Fair Raleigh, Woodsongs, the Lyric Theatre in Kentucky, Houstonfest, the Orchard at Altapass, the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, Bluegrass First Class in Asheville, the Earl Scruggs Center, the Pickin’ Porch, the Museum of Appalachia and the Carter Fold. Jonah and Grayson are also members of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars and have performed at IBMA Kids on Bluegrass in Raleigh. They have won several awards during the time they have been performing such as Best of Show and individual awards for playing their instruments as well.