HOKES BLUFF– As a boy, Drake White found an old stage in the woods behind his parents’ home. He then climbed onto it and sang “Can’t You See,” a song from one of his father’s favorite records.

Decades later, that childhood memory has become part of the story behind Loblolly Fest. White will share the festival bill with The Marshall Tucker Band, whose music he sang on that stage.

During an interview with WEIS Radio‘s Crystal Well, White traced the connections between his upbringing, his music, and his hometown festival. He discussed surviving a stroke, helping others, and building something he wants the community to enjoy for years. You can listen to the interview here:

The first Loblolly Fest takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Bluff Amphitheater in Hokes Bluff. Along with White and The Marshall Tucker Band, the lineup features Randy Houser and Kassi Ashton.

But throughout the conversation, White kept returning to the people and places that made the event personal.

A Childhood Discovery Behind His Parents’ Home

White said he grew up in Tillison Bend, just behind the amphitheater property. As a youngster, he spent time squirrel hunting in the woods behind his parents’ house.

Then, around age 12 or 13, he found himself standing on the old Gold City amphitheater stage. He remembered weeds and trees growing through the neglected property.

His father loved The Marshall Tucker Band. White also knew “Can’t You See,” and he recalled singing it on that stage long before a professional music career seemed possible.

“I didn’t even know what I was doing,” he said. “But I felt something in that place.”

The memory stayed with him. He recalled attending a church event at the property, too.

When Crystal asked how long he had imagined something like Loblolly Fest, his first answer was straightforward: “Thirty years.”

Later, White explained that he had specifically wanted a hometown festival for at least 15 years. The childhood dream and the practical idea eventually came together on familiar ground.

Turning Nashville Relationships Into a Hometown Festival

White credited Chad Lee and Josh Santos with helping make the opportunity real. He recalled them asking him to look at the property and bring his Nashville experience and relationships into the project.

After roughly 17 or 18 years in Nashville, he had connections that could help bring artists home. But the possibility still surprised him.

White remembered thinking, “Are you kidding me? This is actually possible.”

He described the experience as “a God thing.” His parents still live just behind the amphitheater, he said, adding another family connection to his role as a part-owner.

The festival’s lineup grew through teamwork. White credited his booking agent, management, publisher, and other Nashville colleagues with helping assemble it.

White welcomed the prospect of visitors discovering the area. He pointed to its proximity to Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Atlanta while emphasizing the character of Hokes Bluff and Gadsden.

Travel, he explained, had helped him appreciate that character. Although he once wanted to leave, seeing the world deepened his affection for home.

Why He Chose the Name Loblolly

The festival’s name reflects White’s love of the outdoors.

He talked about hunting, planting, working in the dirt, and tackling projects around the house. White mentioned his building science degree while describing his interest in the natural setting around him.

Loblolly pines offered a name that sounded right and felt connected to the South. For example, he described enjoying their aroma and hunting from tree stands in them.

White had also considered the sound of names such as “Loblollypalooza.” However, Loblolly Fest captured the atmosphere he wanted to create.

He drew a playful comparison to fellow Alabamian Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville. White envisioned his own gathering built around the feel of “bonfires and bourbon.”

That idea shaped his description of Saturday’s atmosphere: outdoor music, food, vendors, and room for different kinds of people to feel welcome.

He previewed vendors selling clothing, jewelry, food, and drinks. Boiled peanuts also made their way into his description of a festival with a distinctly Southern personality.

A Personal Reason to Support Brain Health

The interview also turned to the experience that changed White’s life in 2019.

He recalled suffering a stroke onstage that paralyzed his left side. His recovery then gave him a personal connection to the challenges surrounding brain injuries and mental health.

White described people trying to navigate insurance, obtain surgery, or manage financially when an injury prevents them from working. He also spoke about military members facing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Those experiences helped inspire Benefit for the Brain, the charitable effort connected to Loblolly Fest. A portion of festival proceeds will support that cause.

White said surviving such a difficult period gave him a reason to help others. In addition, he believes that having experienced those struggles allows him to speak about them with understanding.

His faith runs through that explanation. He described finding joy and purpose in using his experience to give back.

Benefit for the Brain also includes a concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. White said this year’s event is Nov. 16.

According to the organization’s website, its work centers on awareness, recovery, and research. It also reports raising more than $500,000 through its earlier events for nonprofit partners.

“I’m in It for the Long Haul”

When Crystal asked whether he hoped Loblolly Fest would become an annual tradition, White made his commitment clear.

“There’s no hope to it. I’m doing it,” he said.

He joked that the amount of work involved would make little sense for a single year. In fact, he said conversations during preparations already frequently turn toward next year.

“I’m in it for the long haul,” White said.

His larger ambition includes returning to the Coosa River area each year and bringing food, music, and community activity with him. He also hopes that success can create opportunities to help locally.

For example, White mentioned an idea called “Build a Fire, Change a Tire.” He envisioned teaching children practical skills like those his father taught him.

He also talked about helping schools obtain items such as tubas, drums, and football pads. These were ideas for the future, alongside his continuing interest in brain health.

For White, the festival represents the beginning of that work. He described wanting its benefits to reach beyond the people onstage.

Country, Soul, and a Little Spontaneity

Asked to describe his live show, White first reached back to another part of his upbringing: his grandfather was a Baptist preacher.

“It’s like a revival you can drink a beer at,” he said.

He also pointed to influences such as Hank Williams Jr. and The Allman Brothers Band. His description mixed a lively country and Southern rock atmosphere with personal storytelling.

White said he shares his own experience during performances because audience members bring struggles of their own. Those challenges may involve illness, recovery, relationships, or simply getting through a difficult day.

He also promised familiar songs, including “Makin’ Me Look Good Again” and “Livin’ the Dream.”

Meanwhile, the other performers give him opportunities for moments he does not want to script too tightly. He called Randy Houser a good friend and praised Kassi Ashton as “a lightning bolt.”

White compared Ashton’s style to a combination of Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse. He also spoke warmly about Adam Hood and Albert Simpson while discussing the musicians involved. The festival’s posted lineup includes John Kulinich as well.

Crystal asked whether the childhood “Can’t You See” memory might lead to White singing with The Marshall Tucker Band. However, he left that possibility open rather than promising a duet.

“If it happens, it happens,” he said.

White described the band’s approach as spontaneous and comfortable with musical collaboration. He also suggested guests and surprises could become part of the night.

He dismissed the idea that artificial intelligence could take over live music. White also described his show’s outlook as hopeful about tomorrow, with a belief that good people still outnumber bad.

WEIS listeners can hear another perspective on that musical history in the station’s interview with Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band.

A Favorite Sandwich Stop and an Alabama Football Question

The conversation also made room for the ordinary pleasures of coming home.

When Crystal asked where he first wants to eat, White named Julio’s, describing it as a family-owned sandwich stop.

He then shared an obstacle to bringing its sandwiches to the festival. According to White, the employees already had plans to attend.

The anecdote fit his description of a hometown gathering where familiar people become part of the experience. He also said his parents are usually the first people he visits when he returns.

College football offered another opportunity for humor. White said organizers plan to show the Alabama and Auburn games, allowing fans to enjoy the festival and follow their teams.

He recalled his manager, who comes from the Washington, D.C., area, asking about the local devotion to football.

White’s answer: “Bro, you’re in Alabama.”

He also joked about the difficulty of finding a date that avoids every game, birthday, and family obligation. Waiting for everyone’s calendar to clear, he suggested, would mean never holding the festival.

Saturday’s Festival and a Connection to Weiss Lake

Loblolly Fest will take place at 1820 U.S. Highway 278 East, with a Gadsden mailing address. The official iTickets listing says gates open at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets and current entry information are available through that listing. White also directed listeners to drakewhite.com for ticket access.

The festival’s FAQ lists performances beginning at 2 p.m. with Albert Simpson and John Kulinich. Adam Hood follows at 3:30 p.m., then Kassi Ashton at 5 p.m.

White’s set is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band follows at 8:15 p.m., with Randy Houser at 10 p.m. Organizers say all times are subject to change.

Families should review the festival’s current children’s admission terms before purchasing.

Guests may bring folding chairs. However, chairs must be outside their carrying bags when entering.

The festival also requires clear bags and prohibits outside food and beverages. Attendees should check the current performance schedule and complete policies before traveling.

As the interview ended, White’s thoughts returned to the details of home that travel had made him miss. He mentioned the people, Golden Flake snacks, Grapico, boiled peanuts, and cotton fields.

He also offered a connection particularly familiar to WEIS listeners: his affection for Centre and memories of fishing on Weiss Lake.

“We got it made,” White said. “We got it made, and I love it.”

Listen to the full WEIS Radio interview below as Crystal talks with Drake White about his Hokes Bluff upbringing, Loblolly Fest, and the people and places that still feel like home.

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