SOUTH FORK — The South Fork Music Association will be putting on a gathering to gear up for the Rhythms on the Rio Festival later in August. This mini fest will kick off during South Fork’s July 4 weekend festivities. Join July 1 at the South Fork Visitors Center (at the “Y” on highways 149 and 285) from 4-8 p.m. for live music, food and beer.

For attendees’ listening pleasure, Halden Wofferd and the Hi*Beams will be performing honky tonk and western swing. Hailing from Denver, the band has been together 16 years. Equal parts Hank Williams and Johnny Depp, front man Halden Wofford pours forth a potent mix of rocked-up honky tonk, western swing, Dylanesque originals and spaghetti western epics. There is no creative limit to the songwriter, illustrator, author, storyteller and singer. But Halden has met his match in the Hi*Beams. Each outrageous tale he spins is met by the whine and wail of the steel guitar, the furious double-neck electric guitar and mandolin, and the relentless thump of the upright bass and drums. They will surely put on quite a performance that isn’t to be missed!

They will be pouring beer from Three Barrel in Del Norte and Riff Raff from Pagosa Springs, and there will be wine options as well. Feelin’ Good will be slinging delicious food options.

Cost is $5 for entrance without beer ticket, $20 for unlimited beer refills, and kids 15 and under are free.

The soiree is just part of the fun for July 4th weekend in South Fork.