Riverfest wouldn't be the staple festival of Cherokee County without the sounds of good, family friendly music to entertain the crowd.

And Hickory Flat-based The Rustic Family and its "folk-grass rock n' roll gospel" is more than happy to grace the stage at the festival this weekend in Canton, said lead vocalist Matthew Green. The Hickory Flat musician, who also plays acoustic guitar, said he and his band are looking forward to being part of the festivities when they play at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The two-day art show presented by the Service League of Cherokee County, which raises money to help Cherokee County children in need, includes 200 exhibitors, all-day entertainment, a children's area with inflatables, rides and games and a concessions food court.

Because of flooding at Boling Park, the festival has been moved to the grounds of the adjacent Cherokee High School.

Delane Stevens of Canton, Riverfest entertainment chairwoman, said she chose The Rustic Family for the festival because of the band's popularity and local connection.

"They represent what the festival is about," she said. "It's good, clean fun."

For the show, Green said the band, which will be joined by local folk musician Michelle Humber, will sings its original songs "Main Street" and "Black Belt Heart" and Ms. Humber's song "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues." The band may cover Lucinda William's "Can't Let Go" as well.

The beginnings of The Rustic Family started in 2000 when Green and fellow band member Jess Hopkins of Hickory Flat created Rustic Production Studios.

The band formed soon after that, and members Jennifer Melvin, Mike Alton and Preston Corn joined.

The Rustic Family has been made up of many different members, and some of its current musicians are also in other local bands, such as The City Council.

Along with lead vocals, Green plays guitar, harp, banjo and mandolin. Hopkins plays the lap steel guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals.

Ms. Melvin, a New York native, plays the fiddle, mandolin, piano and bass and sings.

Corn, who hails from Mableton, plays electric guitar, upright bass guitar and drums and also sings. Alton plays accordion, horns and the cello.

The Rustic Family often travels across the country to play gigs. Last week, the band appeared in Birmingham and in Tennessee.

They also regularly appear at Canton's Downtown Kitchen and Winchester Woodfire Grill restaurants.

While they've played at venues across the country, their Riverfest debut is special to the band.

Hopkins, who's played at past Riverfest gatherings with The City Council, said it's an experience a hometown person should never pass up.

"It's cool ... being at home and playing in front of crowds," he said. "It's a good atmosphere there."