For the first time ever, the City of Clinton sponsored a Town Rhythms in the spring on April 22 - but, it had good reason. About 500 visitors were expected for the ACC Men's Golf Tournament at Musgrove Mill Golf Club, and organizers expected they would want dining and entertainment options - and hoped they would get those in uptown Clinton - during their second evening in town. Turned out, golf fans stayed at Musgrove longer than expected on April 22, as second and third round play was combined (tournament organizers feared bad weather and poor playing conditions on April 23, and they were right). Even if Town Rhythms didn't draw golf fans, those beach and boogie fans who did attend weren't disappointed. The Shag Doctorz along with DJ Pat Patterson (1410 AM, 96.5 FM and largetime.net) staged a 3-hour set that pressed on into a cool spring evening, amidst the lights surrounding the uptown Depot. Clinton Mayor Bob McLean reminded the crowd it was the vision of the late Lynn Cooper Jr., businessman and avid community supporter, that made it possible for Clinton to have an uptown entertainment venue. The next Town Rhythms will be June 1, featuring the Southern Drawl Band and Laurens County's own Jeremy Edge; and The Depot will be the central site on May 19-20 for the 3rd Annual Rhythm on the Rails - a tribute to Clinton's status as a central railroad location for South Carolina. The festival will have an bigger-than-ever, sanctioned BBQ judging competition, as well as family-friendly activities, and on May 20, Heritage Hype, displays about Laurens County's adventure, outdoors and historic attractions. - Photos by Vic MacDonald
