Host band Authentic Unlimited at Big Lick Bluegrass Festival ’26 – photo © Ami Ricci
The Big Lick Bluegrass Festival is fast becoming one of the premier outdoor bluegrass festivals across the southeast. With upgrades to the park, Authentic Unlimited as the new host band, a star-studded line-up, and beautiful weather, the first outdoor bluegrass festival annually in North Carolina celebrated its biggest turnout in its 22-year history this past weekend.
The festival has been continuing to grow, but weather has been fickle the past several years. In 2025, music goers shivered in the cold. Another year, bands and fans waded through a sea of mud during an extremely wet weekend. However, in 2026, the good Lord brought sunshine and warm summer-like temperatures to the delight of all present.
This year‘’s event featured, in addition to Authentic Unlimited, the Seldom Scene, the Lonesome River Band, the Grascals, Southern Legacy, Ralph Stanley II, and many others.
Ralph II, son of bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley, said Big Lick stands out in the festival circuit. “It’s one of the best festivals going and it’s got one of the best promoters,” pointing to Jeff Branch.
The bluegrass legacy is passing on to the next generation. Thursday’s schedule was expanded to include the Biscuit Eaters, a family band, and the young brother duo, Cutter & Cash.
Authentic Unlimited banjoist, Eli Johnston, stressed, “It’s really cool to see all the young people trying to learn how to play bluegrass.”
Following a late night jam, Authentic Unlimited decided to invite two young pickers, Cameron Edenfield on banjo and Truett Wagner on guitar, to join them on stage for a number during their Saturday afternoon performance. After a rousing version of Moundsville Pen, Johnston proclaimed, “I guess if I was gonna pick it, I’d do just like that right there.”
Grascals fans were treated to an unexpected reunion when former band mate, Terry Eldredge, joined the ensemble on stage for their two Friday sets. Guitarist/vocalist, John Bryan, was absent due to the passing of his grandfather. Eldredge graciously filled his slot, allowing Bryan to spend time with his family. It was good to see the founding member return and sing some old Grascals favorites.
Promoter Jeff Branch stated, “The chemistry of this festival was just amazing. The host band, Authentic Unlimited, was energetic all during the weekend, entertaining the fans on and off the stage. The weather was fabulous and the fans were extremely excited. You knew it was a good festival when the fans are already planning for next year and hoping to reserve their spot. Thank you to all the workers, fans, and bands that made this festival. One of the most memorable festivals for 2026, and watch out 2027 will be bigger and better!”
Authentic Unlimited’s Johnston, agreed. “We had a blast hosting our first festival as a group. Everyone there was so polite and accommodating and we can’t wait to come back and play for one of the most electric audiences in North Carolina.”
Mandolinist Jesse Brock chimed in as well. “You couldn’t ask for a better location and crew for the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival. We had the best time hosting for the fans and wonderful bands. 2027 should prove to be even more successful with the things learned from this year. Thank you for making us feel a part of its success.”
New ownership has led to upgrades throughout the park, including additional electrical hook ups with more expansion planned for next year’s festival.
Longtime festival MC, Sherry Boyd, shared, “When improvements are made…people started coming more and more.”
Branch stated from the stage…
“I do want to thank you all for being here. We finally had a great weekend. [Indicating the perfect weather] Tomorrow [after the festival ends] the high is 63. No rain, I didn’t collect on my rain insurance this year which is a good thing.
I do want to thank you for supporting me for 22 years here. It’s been a long road. Mr. Ted Hinson has gone on to glory land. He came to me and said, ‘We need a festival here.’ I had the Music Hall in Oakboro back in those days. I rode down here and brought some of the bands, IIIrd Tyme Out and the late Ray Deaton. He said, ‘You’ve got a gold mine here for a great bluegrass festival,’ and that’s where it all started back in those days.
Look at this front row [gesturing to all the business banners displayed]. I don’t know any festival that has as many sponsors as I have. I’m so thankful. A lot of them are here.
You campers, I hope you’re very happy this year. Joseph Burleson made it happen in four weeks. He is a new partner with Philip Austin. He’s the one that made everything happen. He said, ‘I promised you I would get it done, and we’re gonna get it done.’ He was out here pulling lines all week.”
Burleson stepped up to the mic and made some promises of his own.
“I appreciate you all coming. This could not be possible without all of you, and I really appreciate Jeff Branch. I’m here listening to the music, but I’m really paying attention to what we need in the future to make this place better. I want to make this place the best that we can. We’ve been out here working really hard. We were down to the absolute last minute. We got power to the new [camper] spots on Wednesday at lunch. I hope you’’re enjoying the new sites. We’re looking at ways to continue to expand and continue to improve things. The good Lord really cooperated with us and gave us good weather this weekend.
Next year we’re going to continue adding more [camper] spaces with more power, more water, more sewer hook-ups. We’re going to redo all the electrical along the fence with more hook-ups. And we’re not going to listen to those [food truck] generators next year. We’re going to get them hook-ups and get rid of those generators and hopefully have more food trucks. I’m learning and listening. If you have any advice, I’d love to hear it.”
Authentic Unlimited fiddler, Stephen Burwell, concluded, “What an awesome time! From the wonderful people, great bands, fun jams, games, food, and even the weather, it was truly unforgettable. This festival is a great reminder of how family-like and tight-knit the bluegrass community really is. Here’s to Big Lick 2027—I’m already excited!”
