Laurens Electric Employee Pays It Forward to Clemson’s Bluegrass Ensemble

Clemson University’s student-led bluegrass ensemble, Tigertown Roots, just got a boost of support thanks to Laurens Electric Cooperative’s Pay It Forward program. Cashier Kelsey Barnett chose to donate her $500 Pay It Forward award to help fund the group’s upcoming trip to the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass event, taking place September 16–20 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“This trip helps the students continue their education in bluegrass music at the largest, most well-known bluegrass event in the world,” said Barnett, who’s passionate about keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive.

The World of Bluegrass event includes a business conference, prestigious awards, and a public music festival. Tickets are available at worldofbluegrass.org.

“I love that the Clemson bluegrass program keeps bluegrass music alive and gets young people playing instruments and singing the music that I love,” Barnett added.

Tigertown Roots began in 2017 as a class project by student Ryan Wilson, who still leads the ensemble today. The program has grown steadily and now provides students with hands-on opportunities to perform, preserve, and promote the bluegrass genre. Students interested in joining the class can contact Wilson at [email protected], and fans can follow the group’s journey at facebook.com/tigertownroots.

The donation was made possible through Laurens Electric’s Pay It Forward program, which began in 2015. Each month, one employee is randomly selected to receive $500 to donate or use in a charitable way of their choice. The initiative is budget-neutral and funded through employee-driven charity events.

Barnett’s contribution is one more example of how this program continues to create meaningful community connections—supporting not only local people but also the music, culture, and values they hold dear.

Photo credit: Laurens Electric Cooperative