Memorial Day Weekend Festival Recap

May and October are the busiest festival months in our beautiful state of North Carolina. Being a fan of fairs and festivals, I am going to use this section to highlight festivals around our state.

North Carolina Fairs And Festivals

To compile this information I research many sites and would like to highlight those first. For a full annual list of Festivals check out http://www.carolinamusicfests.com/.

Another good resource came from WRAL.com https://www.wral.com/2019-north-carolina-festival-guide/

The final site for resourceful information around the state is https://www.ncarts.org/comehearnc/whats-playing/2019-music-festivals

May 23-26, 2019:

Lil John’s Mountain Music Festival

This is a three-day music festival that happens each year is Snow Camp, NC  it accommodates campers and offers a full line up of acts. It all kicks off with a Jam next Wednesday and following that welcoming event, the line up as per the website looks like this

MAY 24  – FRIDAY

12:00 –  1:00    2nd Place Band Contest Winner

  1:00 –  2:00    Diamond Creek 

  2:00 –  3:00    Buttermilk Creek

  3:00 –  4:00    Darin & Brooke Aldridge

  4:00 –  5:00    Sideline

  5:00 –  6:30    Russell Moore & III Tyme Out

  6:30 –  7:30    Supper Break

  7:30 –  8:30    Buttermilk Creek

  8:30 –  9:30    Diamond Creek 

  9:30 –  10:30  Darin & Brooke Aldridge

10:30 –  Until   Sideline

MAY  25 – SATURDAY

 9:00 AM       Skip Cherryholmes Cornhole Tournament

 1:00 –  2:00   1 st Place Band Contest Winner

 2:00 –  3:30   Constant Change

 3:30 –  5:00    Dave Adkins Band

 5:00 –  6:30    Sideline

 6:30 –  7:30    Supperbreak

 7:30 –  9:00    Leroy Troy & The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band

 9:00 –  Until  Balsam Range

~  SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE  ~ 
 

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Gears and Guitars 2019

2019 Gears and Guitars Fest  This is a four-day festival that takes place in Winston-Salem featuring lots of awesome music

May 24th

Trampled by Turtles
The Infamous Stringdusters
Songs From The Road Band

May 25th

Drive-By Truckers
North Mississippi Allstars
Devon Gilfillian

May 26th

Stone Temple Pilots
Dishwalla
Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones

https://www.gearsandguitarsfest.com

Tickets can be purchased in person at The “B” String please refer to their page for hours.

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White Squirrel Festival

This weekend also marks the 16th Annual White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard, NC. This is another weekend-long festival with lots of music on the bill.

According to the Facebook event at press time, this was the line-up…

𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙚:

𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗
Brother Oliver 5:30-6:30
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys 7:00-8:00
Travers Brothership 8:30-10:00

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗
Davidson River Taiko 12:00-12:30
Cody Siniard 1:00-2:00
Zoe & Cloyd 2:30-3:30
Unspoken Tradition 4:00-5:00
Lovers Leap 5:30-6:30
Clint Roberts & the Wonder Drug 7:00-8:00
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds 8:30-10:00

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗
Spalding McIntosh 12:00-1:00
Chatham Rabbits 1:30-2:30
Jamie Laval 3:00-4:00
Fireside Collective 4:30-6:00

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Fiddler’s Grove

Listed among one of 23 most intimate music festivals in North America, this Annual event takes place at 1819 W. Memorial Highway
Union Grove, NC.  For more information, you can email the event at info@fiddlersgrove.com. Full day passes cost $25.00 and kids under 12 are welcome for free.

“What started as the Union Grove Fiddlers Convention in 1924 has become an exciting 95-year old annual tradition for fiddler fanatics, families, and friends. This festival brings together 2,000 guests for an entertainment-filled Memorial Day weekend, and it is dedicated to preserving traditional old-time and bluegrass music. This is a three-day event kicking off Friday, May 24th.

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Closer to Home

Fossil Festival, Aurora, NC

Headlining this event will be The Switch on Saturday evening, May 25, 2019. This is a great event to take the whole family out for a fun day. Located in downtown Aurora, NC it is great fun for the kids.

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SILOS Palooza

 Saturday in Oriental is where you can find live music all day, cold beer, activities for kids, plenty of food and fun!!
Keep an eye out for Palooza Shirts! Check out the picture above for the fun-filled music line up! Silo Palooza is hosted by Silo’s Restaurant in Oriental. Bring the family for a great day of fun, food, and music. 

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~ Live Music Options ~

Friday, May 24, 2019

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Footloose on the Neuse Summer Concert Series – The Castaways

There is always a reason to head to town and gather for some fun. Tonight’s reason: LIVE MUSIC

New Bern Park and Recreation Department present in conjunction with Trent GMC Buick Cadillac FOOTLOOSE ON THE NEUSE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Taking place in Union Pont Park, this concert series is now celebrating its second season and it kicks off tonight with the beach sounds of The Castaways.  Music starts at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to pack up the family, a blanket, pets and their leash, but we are asked to keep the coolers at home. Sunscreen and bug spray might be a good idea. 

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Our Local Clubs and Pubs

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican hosts an evening of crazy cool grooves with The Raucous Bros. offering the music from 7-10 pm. Free music is never free and neither is the gas to get there, please tip the music makers that you meet.

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Blackbeard’s Triple Play

Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, 415 S Front St. The party comes courtesy of Smokehouse, they will bring the music to life tomorrow night on the deck with all the grooves you will love. Music plays at 7:30 pm- 11 pm. For more info please reach out and call the club at 252-635-0322.

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The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine

Live music will be offered is at The Bruin Craft Beer and Wine each Friday from 8-10:30 pm.

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On the James City Side of that Confounded Bridge

The Garage

The Garage welcomes the music of Mark McKenzie Live music is offered from 7-10 pm for FREE! But I suggest, you feel free to tip the servers and musicians you meet along the way!

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BrÜtopia

BrÜtopia offers the freshest brewed beer and the grooves of The Mad Fiddler, Jason Addams live, who will be sharing songs tonight and jamming from 7-10 pm. Free music for your listening pleasure. Come out and support local music, while you enjoy the freshest new beer on tap!

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Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar

Live music on stage at Triple Play Restaurant & Sports Bar comes courtesy of Big Jim Kohler Blues Band. They will be offering the grooves from 8 pm until 12 am. If you love the blues, there is none better in the area, so come dance and welcome the summer season with The Blues.

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Cruising the Crystal Coast

Atlantic Beach 2016

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Cedar Point, NC

Treehouse Beer Company

Treehouse Beer Company welcomes the music of the Asheville based Hustle Souls live and grooving in the garden from 7-10 pm. Sip on a cold beer and groove to the rock blues and country grooves of this popular local duo.

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Riptidez Bar & Grill offers good food and live music each Friday evening. To usher you into the summer season tonight, come out and groove with Brittany Davis. Free live music starts at 9 pm and continues until the midnight hour.

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Newport, NC

Carolina Home and Garden

Carolina Home and Garden welcomes the weekend with Dave Paradise jamming in the garden, offering songs and sharing the grooves we all know and love. Come grab a bite to eat from the Earl’s Place Food Truck, a cold beer and relax as you settle into the weekend.

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Swansboro, NC

Saltwater Grill

Saltwater Grill offers live music tonight with New Bern’s Bryan Mayer Band kicking off the season concert series. You are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy a great night of fine dining with awesome music. Music plays from 7-10 pm.

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Emerald Isle, NC

SALT BAR

SALT BAR welcomes the Mikele Buck Band on stage to welcome the summer season.  The grooves play from 9 pm until 12 am. Come to the beach and boot scoot with his talented country crooner that was on The Voice just last year!

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E-Club Emerald Isle

E-Club Emerald Isle is ready to welcome the Summer season and have a weekend of entertainment lined up for all. Here is what Monday’s post offered: 

Fri- Corey Stuart Band 8pm. Dj Yspin 10pm

Sat- Jd Band 8pm. BiPolar Express 10pm. Dj Yspin 11pm. 

Sun- Beer festival / guys wet T-shirt contest., Free food, and Joey and Mason Band 2pm. Pure T Mommicked 7pm. Spare Change 9:30pm.

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Morehead City

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering

Floyds 1921 Restaurant and Catering welcomes The Last Chance Wranglers for your dining entertainment this evening. Music plays from 7-10 pm. You are welcome to come early for a delicious dinner and stay late for fun music.

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Southern Salt Seafood Company

Tyler Davis Live at Southern Salt is on the menu on the waterfront in Morehead City tonight. Come enjoy the fresh catch of the day and this talented singer-songwriter as you dine. Music starts at 9 pm on the deck and rocks until midnight!

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Jack’s Waterfront Bar

There is a good time every time you visit Jack’s Waterfront Bar. Checking things out for the Holiday weekend we find: 

~Friday May 24th~
Open at 4pm
Brick oven pizza available at 4pm 
Fun Friday Happy Hour 5 – 7pm 🥳
Live Music by The Snap Band 🥁

~Saturday May 25th~
Open at 12noon
Wood fired Pizza available 🍕
Live music by Push Play 🎶

~Sunday May 26th~
Open at 12noon for Sunday Funday 😎 
Made to order brick oven pizza available 
Live music tonight – The Big Time Band 🎸

Happy Memorial Day Weekend from your Jack’s family!
See you at Jack’s!! 👀

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Beaufort, NC

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop

Cru Bar & Wine Store/ The Beaufort Coffee Shop Presents

Into the Fog, Fri May 24th, 9-12

Into The Fog:
https://intothefogmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Intothefogmusic
https://www.reverbnation.com/intothefog
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MkQOCVIxI6ya8OsIzCzjk?si=qyWL_3UBTxC1faptMv_e7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeCo_uATxfU

Into The Fog is a string band out of Wilmington, NC that encompasses a wide array of genres from bluegrass to country to folk to rock n’ roll. The band is made up of Brian Stephenson on Vocals and Guitar, Winston Mitchell on Vocals and Dobro/Mandolin, and Derek Lane on Vocals and Bass. After forming around an opportunity to play in the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, Into the Fog is quickly making a name for themselves throughout North Carolina and catching audience’s attention with their high energy blend of traditional bluegrass and modern folk. In February 2019 Into the Fog released debut album Wishin’ It Would Rain.

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Rocking Around the Region

Benson, NC

Pitchers Bar

Mason Jar Bonfire will make their debut at Pitchers Bar this evening. Fans of southern rock, classic country, and good old rock n roll will enjoy the sounds of this Lenoir County outfit. Music starts rockin’ at 10 pm and the fun lasts until closing time at 2 am.

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Garner, NC

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill

Locked & Loaded Bar & Grill opens the stage to Vertigo to rock all that gather tonight. Music is free and kicks off at 10 pm and lasts until 2 am.

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Durham, NC

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

HOT SHOW ALERT! Tonight, 9pm.Jamie McLean is a triple threat. As a guitarist for New Orleans royalty Aaron Neville and Dirty Dozen Brass Band he’s toured the globe playing fiery guitar everywhere from Madison Square Garden to Japan’s Fuji Rock. His blue eyed southern soul vocals ooze raw emotion and his top line songwriting chops tie everything together. With hundreds of original compositions to his name McLean creates a musical gumbo that incorporates New Orleans soul, Delta blues, middle America roots and New York City swagger.

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Kinston, NC

The Red Room

The Red Room will be grooving tonight with the fun sounds of New Bern based Joe Brown and The Band. They take the stage to funk you up at 10 pm. There is a $5.00 cover charge. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and enjoy the grooves.

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Washington, NC

Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill

There are some live music choices up to our North tonight. There is a new room to welcome the bands during the winter months at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill. And that is where music is served from 7-10 pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. On Thursdays, they welcome all players with a Low Key Open Mic Night hosted by Brian Burke.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the finest local acts on the list to entertain you, while you dine and drink and unwind. This weekend it is Tony Lefavi on Friday and this Saturday it is High Cotton rocking the blues for your soul!

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Jacksonville, NC

Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern

It’s an Adam Hill weekend at Nick’s Blacksheep Tavern with the rocking guitarist giving it up tonight with a solo serving from 9 pm until 1 am. Come back tomorrow for the three-course meal with the full band rocking you again from 9 pm until 1 am. NBT is owned and operated by retired Marine Nick Nichols and his devoted wife Valarie. This couple has been supporting live music since opening the doors three years ago.

Come out this holiday weekend and support them in their mission to entertain the area with the best live music on the scene! While you are out there, thank Nick Nichols for his service as we all take a moment to remember those that sacrificed it all for our freedoms today. God Bless America!

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Answering the Call

Checking things out around the rest of the region, I ask my Facebook followers each week where we can go to hear them play. This is what they said this week.

May 20 at 5:41 PM

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Do you like live music videos? Check out my Live Stream Page on Facebook.

Tracey Stones Live on Facebook

Searching for more events around the region:

Events on Facebook

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Fact is this is going to be something that takes flight with the help of the community! In fact, it can’t happen without you because it is all happening for you!

 

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This site is a free service to support live music. Most often it is published twice weekly as a gentle reminder for people to get out and support live music. Support the mission of promoting live music. Your donations will help fuel the growth of this informative live music blog. All contributions are appreciated. Thank you for your support!

~Tracey Stones, Writer~