Photos from Norris Creek 2015

This report and photos from the inaugural Norris Creek Pig Pickin’ festival is a contribution from Laura Tate Ridge.

2015 Norris Creek Pig Pickin' Bluegrass & BBQ Festival - photo © Laura Tate PhotographyWhen I am attending a Bluegrass festival, there aren’t many instances when I roll up to the gate to find the promoter of the festival greeting everyone as they come in. That was the case for this brand new local North Carolina festival, Pig Pickin’ Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, hosted by Cory Hemilright.

This festival’s debut was certainly a hit, with a line-up that included Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and The Roys on Saturday. I could hear the sounds of The Moore Brothers from the stage as I entered this beautiful park located at Norris Creek Amphitheater in Louisburg, NC. Lee and Willow and Adkins and Loudermilk followed the Moore Brothers while a small shower rolled through – but that didn’t stop the show! The Roys and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder closed the show out with quite a crowd applauding and bringing them back for more.

Laura Tate Ridge with Ricky Skaggs at the 2015 Norris Creek Pig Pickin' Bluegrass & BBQ Festival - photo © Laura Tate PhotographyThe staff was very friendly, helpful and accommodating, which is a huge plus for any festival. One thing I think musicians will appreciate at this festival is an air conditioned backstage area with plenty of room to practice and change clothes, or just sit and relax after the show before heading to the record table. You can’t go wrong when you’ve got Linda Dilling manning backstage and Sherry Boyd as MC to keep the crowd going! With a stocked fishing pond, kids’ playground and plenty of space to camp and pick; this is a perfect location for a family style bluegrass festival.

Cory, you did well!