Sarah White and the Pearls came onto the Southern Stage next, and put on a great alt-country rock show. Wearing a white 60s shift dress, White et al. blazed through songs like “Apple in B Major” and “My Brother.” The Pearls consist of musicians well-known around Virginia, including Ted “Righteous Handlebar Moustache” Pitney on guitar, under-the-radar King Wilkie, punk legend Michael Bishop from Gwar on bass, and drummer Stuart Gunter from Wrinkle Neck Mules. During “Sarah Arizona” the harmonies were on point, and White’s vocals channeled Pat Benatar. Due to the excellent musicianship of each member, the band was able to jam gigantically for a single controlled minute. It left the audience wanting more. The name “Sarah” sung in the refrain is still very hard to stop humming (and not just because it happens to be this reviewer’s name!). There was something very strange and haunting about watching a woman named Sarah sing the name herself. [Click here for Full Festy Review ]
