Pearl River Guitars once again struck a chord with music lovers, movie buffs and vintage TV fans at this year’s MidSouth Nostalgia Festival, held June 5–7 at the Whispering Woods Hotel in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Backed by a passionate team led by North American Pearl River guitar representative Sherry Carlisle Smith and SCE Group, the brand’s presence was impossible to miss—and unforgettable to experience.
Festivalgoers were treated to standout appearances by brand spokesman and country artist Keith Burns, who signed autographs, took part in celebrity Q&A panels, and electrified the Saturday night banquet with his powerful renditions of “Pour Me” and “Cowboys Don’t Get Old.” The crowd’s emotional response proved once again that Pearl River Guitars doesn’t just build instruments—it builds moments.
Among this year’s crowd favorites were the Pearl River S1CO-JCB Jumbo Cutaway and the BPJ60-N all-maple bass guitar, which drew praise from attendees and special guests alike. Legendary stuntman and actor Diamond Farnsworth—whose credits include NCIS, First Blood, and Ghostbusters—was so taken with Keith’s guitar that he joined the growing roster of Pearl River endorsers and was gifted an S1CO-JCB as a welcome.
“This festival is all about storytelling, heritage, and connection,” said Sherry Carlisle Smith (sherrycarlisleentertainmentgroup.com). “That’s what Pearl River Guitars is about, too—so the match couldn’t be more perfect.”
With Hollywood icons like Mary Badham, Robert Carradine, Patrick Wayne, and Jon Provost in attendance, the event was once again a haven for classic cinema fans and nostalgic hearts. Amid the collectibles, autographs, and old-time radio show reenactments, Pearl River Guitars reminded everyone that craftsmanship never goes out of style.
As interest grows and more performers join the Pearl River family, the brand’s momentum is unmistakable, and music lovers are taking note.
Visit PearlRiverUSA.com/Guitars/ for more information about these instruments and Pearl River’s full lineup of musical innovations.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)