On Friday, May 24, 2019, inside Lake Olmstead Stadium, Papa Joe’s 10th Annual Banjo-B-Que Music Festivalmade its way to Augusta, GA, for a Memorial Day weekend celebration.
From the strings plucked from the banjos and acoustic guitars to the flame-grilled meats on the portable stove tops, attendees paid good money to gather around the barbeque concession stands and festival stages for a country-style experience. Whether the attendees were purchasing the EARLY BIRD Special that covers the two-day event or paying general admission for a single day pass to see their favorite Americana, Bluegrass bands hit the stage. Robert Johnson, an attendee, gave his hot take on the first-day festivities at The Banjo-B-Que Music Festival.
“Right now, the festival is excellent. It’s just a little hot outside, but we’re doing good. The food is good. We got all kinds of beverages to keep us hydrated. So, everyone come on down and enjoy some home barbeque and feel-good bluegrass music,” said Robert Johnson.
While people like Robert Johnson are stuffing their faces with finger-licking barbeque, some festival-goers can be seen with a plate of ribs from “Off The Bone Barbeque” and a craft beer while dancing in the field to the Steel Drivers. The bands that the attendees were privy to seeing on stage Friday were Front Country, The SteelDrivers, Hackensaw Boys, The Ghost of Paul Revere, and Greensky Bluegrass. Patrick Frits, an attendee, grooved to the music with a couple of friends and could not wait to reveal his emotions for what he experienced.
“This is my first year at Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival, and I loving it. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it over the years. I know they have switched up locations before, but now we are at Lake Olmstead Stadium, the home of the Augusta Green Jackets having a good time listening to one of my favorite bands, The SteelDrivers,” said Patrick Frits.
Saturday’s lineup consisted of Teddy and The Rough Riders, The Little Roy and Lizzy Show,The Steep Canyon Rangers,The Old Crow Medicine Show, and many others.
Even though Friday and Saturday consist of nonstop music, barbeque, and beer, Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival is raising money to fund the Joseph R. Pond Memorial Foundation, which focuses on giving back to charitable cancer-related organizations.
For more information and concerns regarding Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival, email them at info@banjobque.comand also visit www.banjobque.com.