News

Rhythm & Brews '19: One less act, lots more taps

By OLIVIA STULLER, Published: May 2, 2019

HENDERSONVILLE — The 2019 edition of the popular Rhythm & Brews concert series has something new when it comes to the rhythm and the brews.

“We’ve got two big changes, and they’re both in the name,” says Lew Holloway, the city’s economic development coordinator.
The festival has dropped the singer-songwriter opening act in favor of just one opener followed by the headliner.
“The quality of music across the board, the type of musicians we’re bringing on . . . it’s going to be like a music festival,” Holloway says. “You have one great group and then another great group. With the new set-up we can really invest in both acts.”
The added time each band has to capture the crowd should make for an all-new feel. “We’re excited about what sort of impact this may have,” Holloway adds.

“The second big thing,” he says, “relates to the beer. This year we’ve got, in addition to Sierra Nevada and Southern Appalachian Brewery, Triskelion, Dry Falls and Sanctuary Brewing all on site pouring.” He noted that Bold Rock Hard Cider and St. Paul Mountain Vineyard will also be back.

“It’ll be more of a beer garden kind of feel, so all seven will have a stand-alone tent,” Holloway says. The new look should encourage visitors to sample all varieties of beverages on tap, as well as relax and enjoy the bands performing on stage. Here’s the lineup of bands:
• May 16- Screamin J’s opening for The Broadcast
• June 20- Big Daddy Love opening for the Travers Brothership
• July 18- Kenny George Band opening for the Colby Dietz Band
• Aug. 15- Tellico opening for Fireside Collective 7
• Sept. 19- Rad Trads opening for Honey Island Swamp Band

Crowd pleasers from past seasons include Travers Brothership, Honey Island Swamp Band and Fireside Collective.

Now in its eighth year, the outdoor concert series once again features the Kid Zone hosted by Hands On! Underground Baking Co. will be back, too, along with Flat Rock Village Bakery and its hand-tossed wood-fired pizzas, Olive Catering Company, Prime Time Eats and Sunshine Sammies, serving famous ice-cream sandwiches.
“All our favorite parts have stayed,” Holloway notes.

The fun starts 30 minutes later this year, at 5:30 p.m., with the headliner taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Visit https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/rhythm-brews or call 828-693-9708 for more information.