KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The sun shined bright in Franklin this past weekend as music fans made the pilgrimage to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm for the 11^th annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.

Unlike last year’s iteration, the sky was clear, with some clouds, and temperatures at 80-degrees as attendees entered on opening day Saturday, Sept. 27. Throughout the day, attendees got the chance to check the various food, beverage, artisan and vendors from all over Tennessee, including the Tullahoma Takedown Club, while either setting up their lawn chairs and blankets, or going to the stage to enjoy the day’s lineup.

Kicking off the festivities included Franklin’s own Rocky Top Revue square dancing team at Pilgrimage’s newest stage: the American Music Triangle. Meanwhile at the Midnight Sun stage Taylor Hunnicutt got the music going while Angel White held things down at the Gold Record Road stage. The music rolled on throughout the afternoon from acts like Maggie Rose, Will McFarlane, American Aquarium, Colony House and Father John Misty, who performed hits likes “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All,” “Real Love Baby,” and “I Love You, Honeybear.”

As the sun set and temperatures began to cool down, the music rolled on with performances from Sam Barber and Turnpike Troubadours before Saturday night’s headliner Kings of Leon made their Pilgrimage debut and performed hits from their discography, while sharing their love to their home, as the band members grew up in Tennessee and founded the band in Mt. Juliet.

The energy and good weather rolled into Sunday, Sept. 28, as attendees returned to the grounds for day two of the family-friendly music and culture festival. As attendees walked the grounds and visited several booths from artisans and local organizations in the area, music filled the air as verygently, Eddie 9V, Hippies & Cowboys, The Heavy Heavy, and Grace Potter took to their respective stages and performed their sets. Festival goers also got a surprise performance from the Franklin High School Marching Band as the group marched through the festival, snagging the attention of surprised attendees.

Also on the lineup was Kevin Griffin, co-founder of the festival, who took the stage himself in the late afternoon with his band, Better Than Ezra, with acts Young the Giant and Sam Fender following shortly after. Wrapping up the weekend of music and family fun was Sunday night’s headliner John Mayer, with a full band backing him for the first time in two years. Mayer’s set was filled with hits old and new, as well as a full display of his skills on both acoustic and electric guitar, and his songwriting ability. Mayer also engaged with the audience as played requested songs that some attendees wrote on signs. Mayer closed out his set with his hit “Gravity” and made a promise that it wouldn’t be long before he returned.

To learn more about Pilgrimage Music & Arts Festival, visit pilgrimagefestival.com.