Blackberry Smoke to heat up festival

AUGUSTA — With their latest album debuting at number one on both the country and Americana charts and number three on the rock albums chart, Blackberry Smoke continues to grow as one of music’s hottest bands.
“We’re a rock and roll band from Georgia,” Blackberry Smoke singer, guitarist and songwriter Charlie Starr told Rolling Stone magazine following the release of the band’s album Like an Arrow.
The Southern rock group brings their diverse sound and broad appeal to the 8th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, the festival offers two days of great music and mouthwatering barbecue and an old-time outdoor rock festival experience. The 2017 bash features nine bands including Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker Band, the Kentucky Headhunters, The Steppin’ Stones and the Farmer Phil Band on Saturday, June 24, with Blackberry Smoke headlining on Sunday, June 25, with Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, and Stolen Rhodes.
“None of us have ever said, ‘Let’s be a southern rock band or a bluegrass band or a country band’,” said Starr. “We’ve never changed. We just want the sound of the band to continue to grow and broaden. It’s not about what kind of music it is, as long as it’s good and it’s honest. When we get together it just sounds the way it does.”
The group, which is made up of Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (keyboards), self-produced Like an Arrow, which continues to receive widespread critical acclaim. It is their second consecutive number one album on the country charts following Holding All the Roses in 2015.
Tabbed as the band that is now carrying the authentic Southern rock identity in modern music by Saving Country Music, Blackberry Smoke “fills the bill for the next generation of gutsy, heartfelt and honest Southeast rocking with plenty of talent, tons of drive and no apologies” according to American Songwriter.
The band is currently in the midst of a nationwide tour, has a performance DVD with Bob Weir out and recently performed the album’s single “Waiting For The Thunder” on CBS’s NCIS: New Orleans.
“We’re thrilled to have Blackberry Smoke, one of the hottest acts now on tour, headline and close out our festival on Sunday,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman of Promo1. “They have a very diverse sound and their blend of country, Southern rock and rock and roll is a perfect fit for the festival experience we have to offer.”
Barbecue fans will have the opportunity to enjoy great food throughout the weekend including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, wings and delicious side dishes from award-winning top pitmasters from around the country. These top chefs will also be competing in a juried rib cook-off for cash and prizes and the coveted title of “Best Ribs,” “Best Sauce,” and Weis Markets “People’s Choice.”
For tickets and information visit www.rockribsandridges.com.