BayFest fanatics were finally satiated with the first round of artist announcements for “Alabama’s Largest Music Festival.” So far, it seems like BayFest 2013 has a little something for everyone. The rockers will have Halestorm, Sevendust and Daughtry. Drive-By Truckers and Wet Willie will have some grooves for Azalea City Jam fans.
Lovers of funk and soul should be pleased with the announcement of The Isley Brothers as well as Shawna P. and the EarthFunk Tribe. Country fans will flock to see Little Big Town, Kellie Pickler and Zac Brown Band. BayFest also revealed that local bands Trigger Root and Gretsch Lyles & the Modern Eldorados will be performing at BayFest 2013. Tickets are currently available on the BayFest website. Stay tuned to Lagniappe for more BayFest news!
Each year, the International Blues Challenge (IBC) brings the world’s finest blues bands to Memphis’ Beale Street. Blues groups spend several days performing before various panels of judges with hopes of being declared the world’s best blues band for the year as well as scoring numerous perks such as sets at some of the nation’s most prominent festivals. Participating bands serve as representatives of blues societies worldwide. Some societies handpick their choice, and others sponsor competitions to decide who will represent them in Memphis. The Azalea City is home to one of these competitions.
On Sat., Aug. 10, the Gulf Coast Blues Society will choose their representative at their IBC competition at “Mobile’s Only Blues Room” The Blues Tavern. Bands from up and down the coast will descend upon The Blues Tavern and spend the day vying for a chance to compete against other bands in Memphis. It is a chance for both blues bands and fans to experience new sounds and make new friends. The event will bring 10+ bands and a packed house to The Blues Tavern. The competition starts at noon, and all wanting to attend should get their early to get a good seat.
In late March of 2012, the South Mobile County Tourism Authority brought the SeaGrass Music Festival to the shores of Dauphin Island. This festival brought some of the best in bluegrass in the form of Ricky Skaggs, Sara Watkins and Delta Reign. The success of last year’s festival has inspired the second installment of the SeaGrass Music Festival. On Sept. 21, music hungry masses will journey to Dauphin Island to experience a number of musical acts in the shadow of Ft. Gaines. Blues rock sensation Delbert McClinton has been the only act to be confirmed for the event. However, time will bring more additions to the festival’s line-up.