I’m going to give Phuzz Phest founder Philip Pledger a shout out for this one because I think his success has shown the powers that be in Winston-Salem that music festivals can be successful in this city.

This weekend marks the kickoff of a new music festival, “Gears and Guitars,” being held in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. The festival features The Band Perry, jam band O.A.R., Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra and Sister Hazel, among others.

Saturday’s show, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, a Southern rock band from Atlanta that had a gold record in 1991 with “Fly Me Courageous,” will perform a free show at 7 p.m. Saturday on Trade Street between Sixth and Seventh.

Read more about the festival in the Winston-Salem Journal here and get out and enjoy some shows and support live music in the Camel City!