Celebrating its 22nd year, Big Lick Bluegrass Festival welcomes Authentic Unlimited as its new host band. One of the first outdoor music festivals in North Carolina each year returns to Oakboro, April 16-18.
AU banjoist, Eli Johnston, says…
“We’re just so thankful Jeff has given us the opportunity to host Big Lick. I think his festival is growing into one of the finest shows in North Carolina. The boys are getting amped up for a three day hang there with all our friends and fans.”
The park continues to make improvements with a permanent bathhouse, a picnic shelter, additional camping spots, and beautiful landscaping. Serving as a wedding venue at other times, festival attendees will get to enjoy the beauty of the setting in Oakboro.
Promoter Jeff Branch shared…
“There’s a lot of energy buzzing about the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival this year. A lot of changes have taken place at the festival. We’ve added more hours of entertainment with a stellar lineup for all three days.
Fans will get to see a new improved campground. Each year the park continues to make improvements to make the festival a favorite in North Carolina. This festival includes a lot of great sponsors that help bring the entertainment that people like.”
Excitement is building with expansion of the Thursday lineup and the debut of the Biscuit Eaters, a young family band from Low Gap, NC. With Mama Meredith on guitar and Papa Jason on upright bass, the group features their five children, ranging in age from 7-16. And yes, if you’re wondering, the kids love to eat biscuits, and Mama Meredith is indeed a biscuit maker. The siblings consist of Sam on mandolin, Josiah on banjo, Maggie on guitar, Silas on fiddle, with Maggie joining in on fiddle on several tunes and adding a little flat-footing.
Mama Meredith expressed…
“We’re honored to open the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival for the first time, and share the stage with so many incredible bluegrass artists. As a family band, it means a lot to be part of such a special weekend.”
The Biscuit Eaters will perform at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.
In addition to Authentic Unlimited and the Biscuit Eaters, there will be performances by the Grascals, the Lonesome River Band, Southern Legacy, The Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Deeper Shade of Blue, Tim Graves & the Farm Hands, Cutter & Cash, Drive Time, and the Parlor House Band.
Branch concluded…
“Come out and join us for a fun-filled festival. On Saturday if you can’t make it to the first half, you can come on Saturday night for half price.”
Big Lick Festival Park is located at 722 S Oak Ridge Rd, Oakboro, NC. For tickets or camping Information, call Jeff Branch at 704-985-6987.
