Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival

A few weeks ago, I announced an awesome new event on the Outer Banks for 2012 – the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with one of the organizers of the event, and Mr. Cory Hemilright has graciously agreed to offer us a behind the scenes look at the Festival. I’m hoping to have a series of posts from Cory leading up to the event, but to start, let’s get Cory’s first-hand perspective of what led them to this brilliant idea.

As a reminder, the OBX Bluegrass Festival is set for October 5-6, 2012 at Roanoke Island, NC, and you can find more information about the event on their website: www.obxbluegrassfestival.com.

Let’s turn it over to Cory…

Larry Brown and I, Cory Hemilright, grew up here on the Outer Banks. Our family roots date back to the creation of Dare County. Bluegrass music has been around for quite some time as well, and is a staple memory from my childhood.

I have great memories of many gatherings that involved plenty of sweet tea, fried chicken and North Carolina-style barbeque. These gatherings attracted musicians from throughout the area who would come together to perform for the other locals and tell stories about the ‘early days’ of the Outer Banks. Days when the only means of transportation between the Barrier Islands was by boat; there were no expansive bridges connecting one island to the next. Days when the main population in Dare County was centralized in what is now forests and trails; Buffalo City, the Moonshine Capital.

Considering the fond memories and great music with such a deep history in North Carolina, Larry and I decided that we needed to unearth the dying traditions and styles by forming the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival. We understood that because bluegrass is not a mainstream style of music that we had to find ways to cater to and attract fans of different varieties of music. With so many traditional bluegrass bands out there, we wanted our festival to include performers who offer a unique style of bluegrass, and within the bluegrass community, performers who are rated highly among their musical counterparts.

We searched through an array of resources to find our performers; from the suggestions of seasoned bluegrass fans to the up-and-coming-artists’ blogs on the Internet. Our headliner, for example, was a suggestion of my father. One of his favorite songs is “When Angels Sing” by Rhonda Vincent. He said to me, “You can’t have a bluegrass festival without Rhonda Vincent!” It was as simple as contacting her booking agent (Who happens to be her own husband!), and the deal was done! We had our headliner! Our other big draw band was discovered on a trip to Dollywood in September of 2011, at the Bluegrass and Barbeque Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We got a chance to listen to the legendary Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. After hearing the group sing a-cappella, there was no question; we had to have them. They are, after all, one of the most renowned bluegrass bands of today.

From a little idea to a grand event, this has the makings of what we believe will be an event that will easily become an Outer Banks tradition for many people.

Thanks for the inside look at the event Cory! We’re hoping to have you back to discuss the progress of the event. Feel free to drop in whenever you have something to share.

And I agree, this has the makings of a great Outer Banks tradition – one that’s been long overdue. Hats off to your for making an awesome idea a reality.

Outer Banks Sounds

Earlier today I “tweeted” (if you’re a Twitter lover, we’re there too!) about a live acoustic music session with a local Outer Banks musician on a great OBX radio station, 99.1 – The Sound.

It’s always fun to hear great local music.

I let the smooth sounds soothe my soul and moved on. Then I noticed a post on Outer Banks This Week (side note: Outer Banks This Week is a good resource for some detailed info on local OBX happenings) discussing a fantastic idea: a local Outer Banks music showcase. And my brain synapses started to click.

The smooth acoustic sounds on 99.1 were part of a much bigger idea. An idea with the goal of shining a spotlight on the local Outer Banks music scene. Awesome idea, right? The Outer Banks has some awesome musicians, but how do we find out about them?

I love music, and I love to find great new music…especially when they are local. But I struggle to find these local acts. So I can definitely sympathize with guests visiting for only one week. How do we know who these local acts are?

Well, here’s the answer; Outer Banks Sounds.

The Dare County Arts Council and 99.1 The Sound have joined forces to present a performance series and compilation album of original, local OBX music.

Here are the guidelines for this rad project:

Local Outer Banks musicians and/or bands with original, unlicensed music. Select musicians will be asked to play one showcase that will be held every third Thursday from 7-9pm, October through April at Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern in Nags Head.  Each musician selected will have one track included on the inaugural Outer Banks Sounds CD.

The Outer Banks Sounds live music showcases are held at Kelly’s in Nags Head every third Thursday of the month through April. Each night three different bands or musicians play, and the public is invited to come hear the music. Playing this Thursday night – i.e. tomorrow – are Sean Bedula, Ruth Wyand and Jug Tucker.

The CD containing a song from each of the 16 musicians will be released in May.

Apparently I’m a bit behind the curve – sorry about that. Here we are in January, so we’ve already missed a few shows, but we still have a few shows left at Kelly’s, and the great compilation CD, to look forward to.

So, if you’re on the hunt for some great local Outer Banks music, now you know. And as G.I. Joe used to say in the 80′s, “Knowing is half the battle.” Yo Joe!

Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival

How about a bluegrass festival at the beach?! Yeehaw! Awesome. It’s about time we had some serious twanging mixed with great Southern cooking on the OBX.

The Outer Banks and the whole Northeast region of North Carolina has waited a long time for this bluegrass music festival. And the wait is over.

The first annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is coming to Roanoke Island Festival Park in October 2012…and they are taking the park by storm!

There are some serious bluegrass acts set for this two day festival, and rumor has it the food will be some southern down-home goodness. Fantastic scenery, full bellies, good friends, and that sweet bluegrass twang. Count me in!

The festival takes place October 5-6, 2012 at Roanoke Island, NC.

Artists scheduled to perform include Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Dixie Ridge, Stoney Creek Band, Nu-Blu, Drymill Road, The Whiskey Rebellion, Stacy Grubb, The Hillbilly Gypsies, Cumberland River and more.

Workshops, jamming and more are just part of the excitement of this innaugural festival. Tickets and additional information is available at www.obxbluegrassfestival.com

Outer Banks: 2011 Currituck Food & Wine Festival

The 2011 Currituck Fall Food & Wine Festival is upon us…it must be fall! And what better way to welcome fall than with food, wine, music, great scenery, and fun times for all?!

The festival is held at the fabulous Sanctuary Vineyards (Cotton Gin anyone?) in Currituck…a few miles north of the bridge leading to the Outer Banks.

Admission includes signature wine glass, wine tastings and entertainment (food not included). $20 advance tickets / $25 day of event

• September 24 from noon to 6pm
• Live music all afternoon
• Great Currituck Grape Stomp
• Pork & Cork BBQ competition
• Local Wines and Beers to sample
• Local Food Vendors
• Hay rides through the vineyards
• Rain or Shine
• Tickets sold at all Cotton Gin locations- Jarvisburg, Nags Head MP 14.5 and Corolla or visit us at www.sanctuaryvineyards.com
• 252-491-2387 / 1-800-637-2446 for more info

He shared some pretty neat stories about being on the road with the band, how being part of such a successful modern rock band has affected him as a musician and what inspires him. Check out the article here to learn more about Tim and what makes him such a unique artist. Let us know what you think. Maybe if you are in the OBX you will see him around

The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):

• Thursday, June 23 – Aquarium (Jam Rock & Blues)
• Thursday, June 30 – The Rajun Cajuns (New Orleans Style Dance/Rock)
• Thursday, July 7 – The Fuzz Band (Jazz, Funk, Blues, Hip Hop)
• Thursday, July 14 – Greg Shelton Band (Classic & Dance Rock)
• Thursday, July 21 – Connected (Jazz)
• Thursday, July 28 – Laura Martier (Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues)
• Thursday, August 4 – The Crowd (Rock & Pop)
• Thursday, August 11 – The Little Kings (Dance Rock & Soul)

Outer Banks: Art Surf Support

A few short months ago one extremely dedicated member of the Outer Banks Surfrider Foundation was diagnosed with breast cancer. Susan and her husband Scott have always graciously given their time and talent and now they need our help.

The OBX Surfrider is hosting a benefit for the Lawrence Family on May 15th from 2-6pm at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. The benefit will be held in the back yard featuring the band, Rubber Pants.

The event is family friendly and will include a silent art auction, cornhole tournament and surf/skate yard sale.

To donate ART to the auction – please contact Kathleen Wasniewski at kathleen@outerbankschild.com.

Outer Banks - Wingo De Mayo 2011

The Wingo de Mayo Festival is always a blast. Perfect time of year, as the weather starts to get hot, great people, great food, great music, and great adult beverages!

When: Saturday, May 7th
Where: Native Vine in Point Harbor.

This year’s event will benefit the Outer Banks Children At Play Museum, a non-profit organization that helps foster creativity in children through hands on learning.

The festivities will feature two separate events -the 6th Annual Wine and Beer Jam and the 3rd Annual Great Wing Cook Off.

The Wine and Beer Jam (12-5pm) offers more than 50 wines and beers from around the world. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day off.

The Great Wing Cook Off pits local restaurants and individuals against each other in the battle for the best wings. Guests can sample the wings and vote on their favorites! Tickets for the Wing Cook Off are $10 over 12 years, $5 8-12 years, and free under 8, and can only be purchased the day of the event.

Advance tickets for the Wine and Beer Jam are available at Native Vine, Chillli Peppers, Children At Play or online at www.nativevine.com. Children are welcome and there is no charge for those not tasting wine and beer or tasting wings.

Live music will be performed by Augmentals and OminOtago.

This event is presented by Native Vine/TRIO and Chilli Peppers. For More info call 252.491.5311.

Seeing as I am such a fan of Toms shoes, I was ecstatic to hear that our very own local surf shop Outer Banks Boarding Company would be teaming up with Toms Shoes for their annual “One Day Without Shoes” event, and host a barefoot walk down to the beach.

If you are not familiar with Toms Shoes, they are an incredible company which promises

that for every pair of their shoes you purchase, one pair is donated to a child in need. One for One.  The concept was started when the founder of Toms visited Argentina and noticed the kids had no shoes to protect their feet from injuries and related diseases from the soil.

Personally I felt this was an amazing idea, and like all new ideas-they need an army of supporters to really make a difference. With that in mind I decided to promote the event through all of our social media outlets and within Seaside Vacations. We decided to encourage everyone in the office to participate and spend the day barefoot. We also wanted to get some people out to the event here locally and take the walk out to the beach. It turned out to be a great event with local OBX musician Esther Faith performing and a crowd of supporters ready for the chilly walk, it was a blast!

No Shoes

When I graduated from college and realized I needed to head off into the “real world,” I distinctly recall telling myself that if I could find a job that would allow me to wear sandals on a daily basis, then I would be a happy cog in the real world wheel. I now live at the beach where sandals are pretty much a requirement for the majority of the year.

I guess sandals can be a pretty motivating force.

But now that I’ve accomplished that life goal, it’s time to set my sights on a new prize…no shoes! If sandals give that laid-back vibe, than no shoes must give the “I’m swinging in my hammock taking a nap” vibe. There’s a strong goal if I’ve ever heard one.

So, any reason to go sans shoes, count me in!  Luckily, Outer Banks Boarding Company and Tom’s Shoes are giving me a reason to chase me shoeless dreams.

On April 5th, Outer Banks Boarding Company (OBBC) goes without shoes so kids won’t have to. Will you?

Tom’s Shoes, and OBBC are hosting “One Day Without Shoes” on Tuesday April 5th from 4 to 6:30 PM at OBBC in Nags Head, including a shoeless walk to the beach and back. Purchase a Pair of Tom’s Shoes and get a local artist to customize your shoes for just $5.00!!

There will be free refreshments, food, and live music by an amazing local OBX singer/songwriter, Esther Faith.

Esther is well worth the trip on her own. I don’t want to pigeon-hole her, but she has this great surfer/alt-country vibe; almost like Taylor Swift riding a wave. The perfect Outer Banks vibe.

Outer Banks Boarding Company & Tom's Shoes - Day Without Shoes