Top-notch entertainment promised at Gentry Freedom Fest

Submitted Photo Barrett Baber, a native Arkansas singer, will be the lead performer at the Freedom Festival in Gentry on Monday, July 4.
Submitted Photo Barrett Baber, a native Arkansas singer, will be the lead performer at the Freedom Festival in Gentry on Monday, July 4.

— The 103rd annual Freedom Festival to be held on Independence Day in the Gentry City Park promises some topnotch entertainment again this year.

Headlining the evening's entertainment will be Barrett Baber, an Arkansas musician known for his performances on NBC's "The Voice" and for winning the CBS Grammy Gig of a Lifetime in 2014.

An Arkansas native, Baber's inspiration for singing and creating music started with frequent visits to Memphis, Tenn., only a few miles from his hometown in Marion. Beale Street and the corners of downtown Memphis were his first exposure to the street performers and artists steeped in blues, R&B, country and rock. These real-life experiences gave Baber the influences and inspiration that shine through his music today. From Sam Cooke to Levon Helm, you can hear the past blazing through Barrett's tone, all wrapped in a fresh style delivered by one of the Southeast's hottest artists.

He recently shared the stage with the Rascal Flatts Rhythm & Roots at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, performing there in February and March. He is becoming well-known across the music scene for his unique and soulful country sound.

Opening for Baber will be Kaylin Cripps, of Gentry. Cripps and her band are becoming well known locally for their style of country performances and often provide entertainment at major local events.

And before Cripps, Kaitlin Carlson, another talented local singer, will perform. Carlson is a graduate of Gentry High School and was a student at John Brown University.

Carlson will sing from 5 to 6 p.m.; Cripps, from 6 to 7:30; and Baber from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will follow Baber's concert.

The Freedom Festival promises fun for the entire family during the day and a spectacular fireworks display -- bigger than ever -- after dark. The day includes rides, games, food vendors, a car show and lots of entertainment.

General News on 06/29/2016