{mosimage}On May 31, at 11 a.m., Festival Park is going to come alive with the sound of music. This day-long music festival, sponsored by Chapter C of the Special Forces Association, is going to go far to show that art isn’t the only thing that lives in Fayetteville. For one day, music will not only rule, it will reign.

The association, which is comprised of current and former members of the United States Army Special Forces, has put together a lineup of local talent, as well as international talent, that is sure to please just about everyone. Local musicians have volunteered their time and talents to raise funds to help take care of injured soldiers and to take care of the families of those who have fallen in the line of duty. All proceeds from the show will go into the association’s benevolent and scholarship funds, which are used to support Special Forces families.

One of the performers who has volunteered his time is fairly young, but he’s already made quite an impression on the Fayetteville music scene. Ethan Hanson, a hugely talented singer/songwriter, is a regular on the Fayetteville music scene. He has been playing in the area since he was 15. His first gigs were at the Coffee Scene and other area open mic nights. 

Ethan (as he is known on stage), made his first professional appearance at the Highlander Pub, a Haymont institution, the summer after he completed his sophomore year in high school. Armed with homemade business cards and a demo CD, he played his first gig and found that he truly liked life in the spotlight. 

That love of performing has seen him move out of the Fayetteville music scene, relocating to perform in Chapel Hill, Raleigh and at festivals all over the state. But, he still has a loyal following in Fayetteville.

Known for a bluesy, acoustic rock sound, Ethan plays popular songs, but he also fills his lineup with his own songs. He said that he uses a lot of different elements to create his own blend of music. His writing style is not ordered, instead, it’s more free-flowing. When he comes up with a melody he likes, he runs with it.

His music can be found on two self-released CDs, and he is currently working on a third, which is due to be released this year. In an interview with Roy Barnes last year, Ethan noted, “If you feel good about yourself, you don’t need to be famous. It would be nice to get my message out to a lot of people, (but) I wouldn’t want to take anything away from what I do with my own music. The most important thing is the journey, not where you end up.”

In recent years, Ethan has shared the stage with some people who know a little about fame. In 2006, he was one of the acts that opened for Hootie and the Blowfish at The Dogwood Festival. In 2007, he opened the show for JoJo, and at the 2008 festival he appeared on The Rock Shop stage along with a number of national bands.

Ethan is one of six local acts that will perform at the SF Association event. The headliners will be Bad Company. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $17 at www.specialforcesassociation.org. They can also be purchased the day of the show for $20. Enjoy a day packed full of music and fun and show your support for the men of the Special Forces.