The Ocean Springs Music Festival was started in 2005 as a way to raise money for the Scharr-Ello Music Room at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center. The 2005 Festival was sponsored by Peavey of Meridian and despite some setbacks due to weather, was a success in raising a good amount of money for the room.

Ongoing Purpose :

Much of the money for the room has been raised, and the room is making progress towards the goal of being a functional studio and classroom. The ultimate goal of the festival now is to create a community event for local musicians and fans. The money raised from future festivals will go towards covering the operating costs of the room and future festivals.