Belleville Outfit headlines Festival's opening night

The Belleville Outfit headlines Friday night at the Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival on June 11 at Harmon Field in Tryon, and their many fans from Spartanburg are expected to turn out to show their support and enjoy the music.

Two of the players in this Austin phenomenon hale from Spartanburg. Rob Teter (guitar and vocals) and Marshall Hood (guitar and vocals) were members of the popular DesChamps Band while in high school.

As the Belleville Outfit, Teter and Hood are joined by Phoebe Hunt on the violin and vocals; Connor Forsyth on piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer and vocals; Jonathan Konya on drums; and Nigel Frye on bass. Together they create a sound that has made them one of the most sought after bands on the Americana scene. They were nominated in 2009 by the Americana Music Association for Best New/Emerging Act, and their last CD, “Time to Stand,” was #9 on WNCW’s Top 100 of 2009. Accolades aside, as soon as they hit the stage, The Belleville Outfit’s mix of swing, country, jazz, gypsy and blues gets crowds swinging and swaying and singing along.        

 “The Belleville Outfit always draws a crowd,” says Peter Eisenbrown, entertainment director for the Festival. “My advice if you want to see them is to get here early and get a good spot. In fact,” Eisenbrown adds, “Get here when the gates open at 3 and enjoy the full lineup which includes The Lone Derangers, Woody & the Stragglers, and Geoff Achison with special guest Randall Bramblett. And it’s all just $7 at the gate.” The Belleville Outfit is scheduled for the Main Stage at 9:15.

The Festival runs from 3 pm  to 11 pm on Friday and from 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $7.00 per person, and there is no charge for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. There is a two-for-one discount for seniors on Friday until 4 pm, and kids can enjoy unlimited rides on Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm for only $10.

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 all additional proceeds 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.