Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns bigger and better
Right after a two year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Huge Lick Bluegrass Competition close to Oakboro in south central North Carolina returns this weekend. Promoter Jeff Department has worked tirelessly to assure a major notch event. A new stage in a new spot with crystal clear seem featuring a powerhouse lineup of musical expertise, as well as a assortment of food trucks on a stunning spring Tarheel weekend, all nestled in picturesque countryside, is a winning formula for a wonderful family-pleasant bluegrass festival.
Thursday night kicked off with an open up mic showcasing neighborhood talent. There have been lots of youth represented on the stage, guaranteeing the foreseeable future of our beloved new music. Chelsea (age 10) and Courtney (age 8) Edenfield, granddaughters of Deeper Shade of Blue’s former banjoist, Jim Fraley, warmed hearts with their limited heartfelt harmony on a lot of hymns. Massive sister Chelsea accompanied their perfect-pitch voices on ukulele.
Following their efficiency, Previous River Street took the phase. Two of the band associates, Malachi Freeman (age 17) on fiddle, and his sister, Amelia (age 16) on mandolin, are regulars on the IBMA Youth Phase with the Little ones on Bluegrass ensemble. They have been joined by their very pleased papa, Justin, on bass, good friend Bob Dotson on guitar, and Junior Sisk Band’s Curt Really like on banjo. Quite a few other groups including the Quarter Home Band, Hickory Nuts, and Very last Chance Band (showcasing Major T and Pammy Lassiter) done.
“We decided on the title Last Prospect Band due to the fact we’ve obtained 6 divorces concerning us, and performing on seven and 8,” Major T joked.
The new music resumed on Friday with some of the very best in bluegrass: Sideline, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Higher Fidelity, and Further Shade of Blue.
Large Fidelity kicked off the to start with entire day of tunes. A frequent aspect of their display, the band featured a pair of twin banjo tunes with Jeremy Stephens and Daniel Amick.
Each and every band and attendee was grateful for the warm, sunny day considering the fact that the pre-pandemic pageant climate experienced been both cold or wet.
Joe Mullins introduced from the stage, “We’ve introduced beautiful climate with us from southern Ohio.”
“We’re content to have sunshine and happy to be back again,” pressured Scott Burgess of Deeper Shade of Blue.
Steve Dilling was grateful as well. “We’ve been at this pageant every single 12 months given that we have been a band.”
Saturday’s show operates noon right up until 11:00 p.m. and will function the Lonesome River Band, Appalachian Street Demonstrate, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Terry Baucom & Dukes of Drive, Backline, and the Parlor Household Band.
Branch said, “I’m pleased to be hosting Big Lick right after two years absent from remaining capable to have a pageant thanks to the pandemic. We have a exceptional lineup and the reaction has been amazing. This shows me that people are all set to get out and get back again to a standard daily life of terrific bluegrass tunes and family enjoyable.”
The Massive Lick Bluegrass Festival is found at 640 S Oak Ridge Road (Hwy 205), Oakboro, NC 28129. Saturday ticket prices are $35 for grown ups, ages 12-16 $10, under 12 cost-free. For tickets and facts, simply call 704-985-6987.
