Hey Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie! The John Deere Green singer and subject of Jason Aldean's "1994" is the headliner at this year's Racks By The Tracks Festival in Kingsport. Now in its seventh year, the festival expects to top 10,000 attendees again in 2014. Two thousand attendees will be able to sample over 40 unique craft beers; an event that has sold out five years in a row. 30 of the best barbecuers in the region will battle in the BBQ cook-off competition and 15 other vendors will be on site to satisfy your appetite.
We're very excited about this year's music lineup! We first covered grammy award winner Joe Diffie at Next in October. If you were there, you know he's the perfect fit to headline any beer-related festival.
Virginia-based Americana band Folk Soul Revival is a huge fan favorite in the region. Living Magazine recently named them among the top three bands in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sylva, North Carolina's Matt Stillwell has been bringing his "Shine" show to the Tri-Cities for almost 10 years - from Poor Richard's to Capone's to Biggie's. He may have settled down a bit since putting on a wedding ring, but he's still a huge favorite for the ladies!
Our old friends the Twang Bangers kick off the festival at noon with a 2-hr set. An idea that formed in the practice rooms of the ETSU bluegrass program has evolved into one of the most popular country bands in the region. They've recently opened for both Josh Turner and Uncle Kracker.
The Twang Bangers are followed on the schedule by Lance Stinson, Stillwell, Folk Soul Revival and Joe Diffie at 8pm. Local blues boogie band the Catfish Frye Band will close the festival with a set starting at 9:30pm, followed by Bart Walker playing the official after party at Biggie's.
If barbecue, beer and music aren't enough, look for the addition of a cornhole tournament this year. The popular SFP 5K Run/Walk and Kid's Mile are back. There's also a free Kid's Station featuring events such as large inflatables and face-painting. The family-friendly festival will once again generate thousands of dollars for local community non-profits in 2014.
View a full rundown of the day's events and purchase tickets on the festival website at http://www.racksbythetracks.com. Those who wish to purchase high gravity tickets should act fast, as they're expected to sell out by Wednesday evening. Low gravity and concert tickets will be available all week and at the festival.
Food City, Pepsi, Cumulus Broadcasting (101.5 WQUT, NASH FM 104.9, 640 WXSM), Libation Station, Dermatology Associates, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Sapporo Beer, Leaping Lizards, KCVB, Biggie's, Barberitos of Kingsport and VIP SEEN Magazine make up this year's sponsors. Look for staff from TriCitiesNights to capture the great time you'll have at the festival.
