"Early Bird Special" tickets are available for just a few more days for the second annual North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival at Historic Rural Hill off Neck Road in Huntersville. The event will be held Saturday, May 12, from noon to 10 p.m. Those interested in securing tickets should visit www.NCBrewsMusic.com.
The NCBMF celebrates North Carolina's craft breweries and authentic music, and last year's inaugural event drew rave reviews to quickly become a favorite among festival goers. The 2012 NCBMF has already confirmed participation by multiple brewers including Huntersville's own Ass Clown Brewing as well as NoDa Brewing Company, Bird Song Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company, Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Four Friends Brewing, Lone Rider Brewing Company and Big Boss Brewing Company. Confirmations from many other breweries is expected in the coming weeks.
In addition, seven national musical acts are scheduled to perform on the NCBMF stage, including Billboard Bluegrass chart-toppers Steep Canyon Rangers. With smooth vocals, smart songwriting, ferocious instrumentals and jaw-dropping harmony, the Rangers are bringing Bluegrass to music lovers across the USA and around the world. In 2011, the band's collaborative record with comedian and actor Steve Martin, Red Bird Alert, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Bluegrass Chart and their solo record "Deep in the Shade" remained in the Bluegrass Top 10 for 18 weeks.
The NCBMF lineup also includes the distinctive blend of neo-folk, classic soul, and Americana jam of the Ryan Montbleau Band, guitar legend and acoustic Americana flat picker Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, quickly rising CMT stars The Black Lillies, the Los Angeles punk-bluegrass band Old Man Markley, Charleston-based Sol Driven Train (returning from last season), and BIG Something, winners of the Home Grown Music Network's 2010 New Band of the Year award.
Designated Driver or "Under 21" tickets will be available for those coming just to enjoy the music or to drive others home safely. On-site camping is available by reservation which can be made on the festival Web site. Food and merchandise vendors will be on hand as well as other area non-profits to add to the festival experience.
Regular updates about participating brewers and musicians will be provided on the NCBMF Web site.
The event is presented by Historic Rural Hill and sponsored by McIntosh Law Firm, Highland Brewing Company, Bojangles, Beer Connoisseur Magazine, TheFullPint.com, the Charlotte Beer Club, North Carolina Brewer's Guild, Mountain Khakis, Eagle's Nest Outfitters, Bubba's Barbecue, The Kilted Buffalo, Real Yellow Pages, Hauser Rental and Midas Spring Water.
Proceeds support the preservation of Historic Rural Hill, the 250-year-old former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson. The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Rural Hill and the NCBMF has joined a list of annual events that includes the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, the Amazing Maize Maze and the Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials.
Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, with proceeds from events used for the preservation of the historic site and its education efforts. For more information on events or for financial support accepted securely online, please visit www.ruralhill.net or call 704-875-3113.
