Mars To Headline Music Fest At The Civic
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Working as a singer-songwriter for three decades, Charlie Mars will headline the Music Festival. Mars lives in Yalobusha County.
Get ready, Water Valley— Music Fest is back on Thursday, July 31, and this year’s lineup promises a night full of incredible music and heartfelt community spirit, all set against the backdrop of the newly renovated Civic Auditorium.
Headlining the event is none other than Charlie Mars, the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter known for his soulful blend of folk, pop, and country. With a warm voice, honest lyrics, and a magnetic stage presence, Charlie has spent decades carving out his place in the American singer-songwriter scene. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, he was inspired early on by the likes of
Willie Nelson and Jackson Browne—and you can hear those roots in every note he plays.
Mars has released nine studio albums, including Blackberry Light, Like a Bird, Like a Plane, and Times Have Changed, each one filled with the kind of songs that feel both personal and universal. His music has been featured in films and television, and he’s shared the stage with legends like R.E.M., Steve Earle, and Jimmy Buffett. But even with all that experience, there’s something grounded and genuine about his performances—intimate, emotional, and real. He sings like he’s telling you a story over a back porch sunset.
And here’s what makes this performance even more special: Like every performer at Music Fest this year, he’s giving back to help make Water Valley shine just a little brighter. All proceeds from the event support the Garden Club’s ongoing beautification efforts around town.
Music Fest will be held at The Civic, now beautifully renovated and ready to welcome guests with improved seating and refreshed surroundings—just in time for Watermelon Carnival weekend.
Tickets are just $7.50 and are available from any member of the Town and Country Garden Club, at the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce office, and at the door the night of the event.
