Newgrass folk-rock pioneers Acoustic Syndicate are celebrating their 20th anniversary this summer, and one of their tour stops will be the Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival.
On Friday, June 8, they’ll take the stage around 9 p.m. and treat their fans to songs spanning the band’s two-decade-long career. The familiar vocal harmonies of Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry (guitar/mandolin/vocals), Bryon McMurry (acoustic banjo/electric banjo/six string banjo/vocals) and Fitz McMurry (drums/congas/percussion), alongside Jay Sanders (acoustic bass/electric bass) and Billy Cardine (dobro/electric resophonic guitar) will evoke memories for many people.
BBQ Festival Entertainment Chairman Benton Wharton said, “It rare for us to book a band two years in a row, but the Syndicate was a real crowd pleaser last year. So, they’re coming back, and we are excited about being part of their big celebration tour this year.”
The McMurry family comes from Shelby, N.C. and claims that their ancestors for 200 years have called that area of North Carolina home. The other two members of the group are current residents of the Asheville area, so they really are “homefolks” to the Blue Ridge BBQ & Music crowd.
McMurry talked about his feelings about his music and for his fans in Western North Carolina.
“I’ve always hoped that our music leaves people feeling a little better after hearing it or seeing us play live, and the folks in Western North Carolina seem to affirm this,” he said. “It’s one of the main reasons I still play.”
Wharton said the southern rock band Sol Driven Train will also be onstage Friday; and Saturday’s headliners include the Lee Boys and The Dynamites, featuring Charles Walker and The Black Lillies.
The 19th Annual Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, at Harmon Field in Tryon. There will be music on two stages both days, carnival rides and games, a craft fair and championship barbecue and all the trimmings. For a full schedule of events, visit www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com.
Wharton said the festival has long been one of the best entertainment values anywhere.
“Not only do we have a great lineup of talent this year,” he said, “but we’re waiving the admission fee from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday. So folks can come in for free and stay as long as they like. They’ll get to hear the afternoon music as well as our evening headliners.”
Gates open at 11 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday, closing at 11 p.m. both days. The event is produced by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce.
– article submitted
by Brenda Bradshaw