Headliners such as Acoustic Syndicate, Mingo Fishtrap, Big Daddy Love, Feufollet are just some of the highlights of this year’s concert lineup at the Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13 in Tryon, N.C.

Others with great followings in the Western Carolinas include Buncombe Turnpike, Fruition, Loaded Toad and more.

The festival’s entertainment chairman, Joe McConnell, said, “We always try to offer music everyone will enjoy–and we’ve done it again this year, with excellent musicians offering everything from Cajun sounds to Texas Roadhouse funk, jazz and blues and bluegrass, country, Southern rock and rock-a-billy.”

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.

Considered one of the best entertainment values in the area, admission is only $8 for adults and includes free parking and shuttle ride and all stage performances! Children 12 and under get in free with paying adult. Active duty military men and women are also admitted free. And, on Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., everyone gets in free (and can stay as long they wish).

In addition to the concerts, there will be great food, of course, carnival rides and games, and a juried craft fair. Special events on Saturday include the huge Classic Car Show featuring the Nationwide NASCAR Show Car (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s #88) and Simulator will be on hand, Hawg Run cycles will be arriving around noon, and the grand finale fireworks extravaganza starting after dark. For a full schedule of events, visit BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com.

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.

 

– Submitted by Brenda Bradshaw

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