Despite the afternoon rainstorm hundreds of people attended the first “Hola Yella Live Concert and Sasquatch” festival held at Artful Acres in Ellijay.

The festival grounds located along the Cartecay River were alive with concert-goers listening to two stages of live music and entertainment. People came from all over Georgia to enjoy the concert. Some of the bands included ‘Funk You’, ‘Dr. Bacon’ and ‘Saxsquautch’; and yes that is him playing his funky heart out on his saxophone!

Ten bands performed and covered different genres of music including rock, classic rock, indie, and jam bands. Another hit with the crowd was the sound-alike band for Abba called the Neon Queen. People listening said they sounded exactly like Abba! The gates opened at noon and music began around 1:00 pm. Fortunately, there was a huge covered pavilion but the rain did not last long.

Concert goers await upcoming Sasquatch band

Concert goers hang out with Big Foot

In addition to all the bands playing, people could enjoy several food stalls and souvenir vendors.

According to organizer Jorge Sandrini, the vendors were carefully chosen as to not take away from the atmosphere of the event. Some vendors sold ‘Big Foot’ souvenirs, large sasquatch wooden cutouts, card reading psychics, and even an author with a new Christmas book based on Sasquatch! Ingelheim Winery along with ‘Grumpy Old Men’ distillery from Blue Ridge as well as Cathead Vodka served up some spirits.

Two large stages were set up on the property. The main stage was toward the end of the field and featured the headliners. A covered pavilion hosted more musical talent.

There was also a variety of entertainment including fire-spinners, a hula hoop acrobatic, and several very unique characters like the giant tree man! Of course, ‘Big Foot’ was running around and hobnobbing with the crowd!

The concert lasted several hours ending around 10 p.m. The wet ground, great music, and the happy people gave the atmosphere and feeling of the iconic Woodstock concert back in the ’60s! Sponsors for the concert were ‘TEN’ spring water, Ellijay Pizza, Artful Acres, and Cathead Vodka Distillery. The benefitting sponsor for the concert was Homeward Bound Pet Rescue. The concert promoters plan to make this concert an annual event.

Boy Scouts James Grubb and Trevor Parker helped out at the concert.