Headliners such as Lukas Nelson and his band, Promise of the Real; Randall Bramblet Band featuring Geoff Achison; A.J. Ghent Band; and Whiskey Gentry are just some of the highlights of this years concert lineup at the Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14 in Tryon, N.C.
Others with great followings in the Western Carolinas include The Honeycutters and The Shane Pruitt Band.
BBQ Festival Entertainment Chairman Benton Wharton said, “There is such a wealth of talent on display this year. We always try to offer music everyone will enjoy–and we’ve hit the mark this year, with excellent musicians offering everything from American Rock ‘n Roll, Southern Rock, to bluegrass and newgrass, jazz and blues and downright country.
The Festival features music on two stages both days, cranking up about mid-day. The Main Stage is in the center of all the Festival’s activities, anchoring the north end of the big oval track at Harmon Field. Festival goers gather throughout the day on blankets in the sun or in tents and enjoy great barbecue with all the trimmings and their favorite beverages. Most don’t leave until the last act is finished around 11 p.m.
The Riverside Stage offers a different environment, cozier and often a bit cooler. It is set alongside the Pacolet River under some old shade trees. It’s smaller and the fans can get a bit closer to the action. The Riverside Stage closes not long after sunset, and guests get to settle into the Main Stage area for the night.
In addition to the concerts, the Nationwide NASCAR Show Car and Simulator will be on hand, and there will be carnival rides and games, a craft fair, and cooking demonstrations by the Great American Cookout Tour both days. Special events on Saturday only include the huge Classic Car Show and the grand finale fireworks extravaganza. For a full schedule of events, visit BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com. Follow the Festival on Twitter for all the latest information before and during the Festival.
Gates open at 10 a.m. both days and close at 11 p.m. The event is produced by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

– article submitted
by Brenda Bradshaw