Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns

Once again promoter Jeff Branch,is bringing the best in bluegrass to Oakboro. The Big Lick Festival Park is under new ownership and renovations are ongoing to improve the outdoor venue. 

“Things are improving with new ownership at the park. Phillip Austin and John Teal purchased the park and continue to add things for all to enjoy,” Branch said. “Next year, a new bath house will be added, plus the camping will be improved and relocated where the tractor pull track is.”

This year’s Big Lick Festival, set for April 20-22, offers an entire weekend of top-notch music. Thanks to the sponsorship of Union Power Cooperative, Touchstone Energy, Knee Deep in Bluegrass, and several others, Big Lick Bluegrass Festival presents the newest hot sensation in bluegrass and gospel music, Authentic Unlimited. Three of the members were formerly part of Doyle Lawson’s last band configuration.

Also appearing for the first time will be the Tennessee Bluegrass Band featuring young musical prodigies Aynsley Porchak on fiddle and Lincoln Hensley on banjo. 

Returning bands will be IBMA Entertainer of the Year nominees, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, Backline, Deeper Shade of Blue, and Drive Time. Host for this year will be Sideline, their last formal appearance as a touring band.

“Thank you to those that supported me over the past 19 years,” Branch said. “This year will be a special year as Sideline will be ending their tour in Big Lick.”