From this morning’s press release…
Once again the sights, smells and especially the sounds of the Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival will invade Oakhurst Saturday, August 16th from 12pm – 8pm. This year’s event promises to be one of the best with a terrific line up of blues and bluegrass artists.
Kicking off this year’s festival is the blues power trio The Georgia Flood. All three members have played in various bands throughout their musical careers, but no other project has the sound, style, or explosive musicality of brothers Brooks Mason on lead guitar and lead vocals, Lane Kelly on bass and back-up vocals.
Returning to our stage from a 1yr. hiatus are the ladies of Roxie Watson,in 2014 they have a new album out Songs from Hells Hollow. Over the years they have morphed into simply one of the finest original bands in the Southeast, regularly selling out storied songwriting venues from Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA to the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN
They are followed by the soul singing songwriting sisters of Larkin Poe who are again returning hot off the heels of a month long tour in Europe. Also making their debut at the Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival is Kate & Corey the Bluesy Americana duo of Kate Shaffer and Corey Coleman that have quickly made a big name for themselves.
After 5+ years we are honored to have Michelle Malone return to the festival. Her guitar chops, trademark voice, and songwriting craft have won her critical acclaim and numerous awards over the years including: best album (Atlanta magazine), 2 time best acoustic guitarist (Creative Loafing, IAC), and 5 time female vocalist of the year (Creative Loafing), Best Blues Guitarist (IAC.com).
Finally we are extremely proud to announce our 2014 headliner,bluegrass stalwarts Balsam Range who will be playing the festival for the first time. These five outstanding acoustic musicians and singers from Haywood County, North Carolina have created their own legendary sound that honors and celebrates every angle of bluegrass, classic, and American Heritage music. Winners of the IBMA “Song of the Year” in 2012 and “Record of the Year” in 2013, Balsam Range are an experience not to be missed. Welcome them to your neighborhood!
Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. For further information on all festival happenings log onto www.decaturbbqfestival.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Sounds great. One suggestion I have, since it’s going to be August and the whole thing is taking place on a slab of asphalt, is some misting stations be set up to help with keeping things cool. This should be a good time!
Keith F, they usually had a misting station even when it was in a semi-shaded grassy area. I cannot even imagine how miserably hot it’s going to be in a blacktop parking lot. This is typically my favorite festival, but I am really going to think twice about going this year. I will say that the bands they have lined up are very tempting. But, ugh. The thought of an August afternoon in a paved parking lot is almost more than I can bear. I’m sure there were good reasons for the change, but I’m pretty sad about it.
I believe that the main reason for the change of setup is that the Oakhurst Streetscape project will be underway by then and Harmony Park will be a mess.
I think the stage is going to present itself much better at this location, so that’s a plus. I just spent much of the weekend at Shaky Knees, and the pavement does indeed wear on you. Another plus is if it does rain everything doesn’t turn to mud.
Colleague who was at Shaky Knees concurs with you, noting that on asphalt, the rain is actually desirable as it’s the only way to knock down the heat.
Am I missing something? The website still says it’s at Harmony Park. I love this festival, but hate that it’s in August. It’s always so hot and muggy. I don’t get why the a powers that be insist on keeping it in August.
Look for a hole in Decatur’s crowded festival lineup on the calendar and it may make more sense.
The festival is going old school, like back in the day when it was held on the hot pavement of Howard Ave
It looks like whoever booked the talent forgot that we have a substantial African-American population in Decatur.
True, but I’ve heard that “they” don’t particularly like music. Or bbq…
What’s the difference between a banjo and a Harley?
You can tune a Harley.