St. Andrews Presbyterian College will hold its first Folk Music Festival as part of the Alumni Weekend Festivities.

The festival, produced by St. Andrews alumnus John Null, will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24, on the Belk Patio. The festival, free and open to the public, will include performances by Big Medicine, Debby McClatchy and Lisa Null.

Null’s ties to folk music start with his mother, Lisa Null, a longtime performer and recording artist. Lisa Null also co-founded Green Linnet Records, a trail-blazing Celtic Label. She has organized folk festivals while also helping produce Garrison Keillor’s first national broadcast of “A Prairie Home Companion.”

While most of her energies go to the local folk community of Washington, D.C., she continues to share her talents at events to expand her circle of listeners.

Based out of Raleigh, Big Medicine combines authentic old-time mountain music, early style bluegrass, original songs and some surprises. Made up of Jim Collier, Bobb Head, Kenny Jackson and Joe Newberry, the band has been one of the most influential old-time bands in the contemporary American traditional music scene for more than a decade. The band’s skill was recognized by Keillor, who said, “That’s how string band music is supposed to sound … absolutely effortless. They’re just a great band.”

McClatchy is an expert entertainer. While her musical repertoire includes a variety of musical instruments, her focus on tour is a 1907 Bacon FF Professional banjo and an occasional fiddle. Her combination of good-time, old-time banjo and singing makes her a favorite in clubs and festivals.

For more information on this free event, contact John Null at (910) 276-9745.