The Community Times Dispatch

Curtis Inabinett, Jr., Member of Council in the Town of Ravenel conceived the idea of having a Music Festival in the St. Paul’s area of Charleston County that would highlight the talents of prominent musicians from in, and around the low country.

At the June 2008 Ravenel Council meeting Inabinett introduced his idea, which was received with favor from Mayor Baldwin and Council. A meeting was then convened with Mayor Jacquelyn Heyward of Hollywood and Mayor Opal Baldwin of Ravenel, where the idea was formally introduced.

The two Mayors agreed, and special call meetings were scheduled for the two councils. After confirmation of a joint budget, the First Annual St. Paul’s Labor Day Music Festival was launched, and plans were put in motion to make the festival a reality, and annual event.

A committee was formed which consist of Mayor Baldwin, Mayor Heyward, Councilman Curtis Inabinett, Jr, Beth Carpenter, (the Assistant to Mayor Heyward), Councilwoman Annette Sausser of Hollywood, and Former Ravenel Councilwoman Ethel Inabinett. A grant application was then submitted to the Charleston County Grants Department and approved by County Council. The funds received enabled the festival to get off to a very good start.

On Labor Day, September 7, they had their 2^nd Annual Festival. The day was perfect with the sun shining and a cool breeze blowing. In the expansive park you could see people gathering, children playing, and the smell of food cooking as the vendors prepared for the upcoming crowds of hungry people. The MC for the event was DJ Jazzy J of Magic 107.3, who introduced such bands as The Sam Dennis Gospel Singers, Sursievision, Bradford Station Blues Band, Ann Caldwell and the Lonnie Hampton Quintet. Closing the show was Curtis Inabinett and A Touch of Class. The second St Paul’s Music Festival Lifetime Achievement Award was given to
former SC Highway Commissioner Bobby Harrell, Sr., who is the farther of
the SC  Speaker of the House, Bobby Harrell, Jr.
Bobby Harrell, Sr., could not be present to accept the award, but he asked
former SC State Representative and current Charleston County Councilman
Curtis  Inabinett, Sr., to accept the award on his behalf.

Everyone had a good time listening to the music, eating the food and enjoying the ambient festivities. Mr. Inabinett stated that “we plan to have this event every year on Labor Day”. So if you want to attend next year’s festival, call the town hall of either Ravenel or Hollywood.