NC BBQ Festival rocks the recession - $7 for a day of music and fun

TRYON, NC — “The Blue Ridge Barbecue & and Music Festival is the best deal of the music festival season,” says Peter Eisenbrown of BlockParty Productions, who chairs the Festival’s entertainment committee. This year, the event offers an impressive line-up of bands from across the nation for two full days of live performances on two stages, June 12 and 13 at Harmon Field in Tryon. The price of a ticket is just $7 a day, with free admission for children 12 years and under.

“Bands from Austin to Boston and points in between are coming to Tryon to play at this year’s event,” says Eisenbrown, who has booked the music for the festival for more than a decade. “Several of the groups have new CDs that are climbing the Americana charts right now,” he adds.  The festival’s main stage boasts full bands all day, while the riverside stage offers more intimate, acoustic performances. Main stage headliners include Ryan Montbleau Band and Lil’ Malcolm & the Zydeco House Rockers on Friday night.  Saturday features Eilen Jewell, Seth Walker, and Randall Bramblett Band. Regional artists include Peter Karp, Dehlia Low, Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs, Gigi Dover and the Big Love, the Shane Pruitt Band, and more. View the 2009 Barbecue Festival music schedule and learn more about the performers.

In addition to all the music at the festival, of course, is the North Carolina State Barbecue Championship. Festivalgoers can stroll though “Hog Heaven” and witness perhaps as many as 80 cook teams competing for more than $20,000 in trophies and cash. Carnival rides, a juried craft show, Beach Bingo, a Rubber Duckie River Race, and grand fireworks displays both nights round out the festival’s activities.

The Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival is conducted annually under the auspices of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the Festival help support Chamber operations and any additional funds go to the Carolina Foothills Chamber Foundation to be returned to the community through distributions to a variety of programs and projects throughout the county. Funds are generated by a modest admission fee, contestant entry fees and sponsorships.

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What: The Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival
Where: Harmon Field, Tryon NC
When: June 12—Gates open at 10 a.m., music starts at noon 
            June 13—Gates open at 10 a.m., music starts at 11 a.m.
Cost: $7/day, children 12 & under FREE
Info: www.blueridgebbqfestival.com
An event by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce