International Riders and Rockabilly Music and Cultural Festivals showcase west Tennessee throughout the month of July
JACKSON, Tenn. (March 23, 2015) – The newly created International Riders and Rockabilly Music and Cultural Festivals invite locals and tourists alike to discover west Tennessee throughout the month of July and to explore its music and cultural heritage. Every weekend in July will feature a one-of-a-kind celebration in Jackson, Ripley, Brownsville and Union City, providing multiple opportunities to journey the scenic highways and byways and to enjoy the music, food, history and the charming communities that west Tennesseans call home.
These festivals represent collaboration between several communities throughout west Tennessee, each presenting a unique festival highlighting amenities and attractions that make each area special. Creating a month-long destination-based experience focused on west Tennessee will bring attention to the entire region and create multiple family-friendly entertainment options for both residents and tourists from outside the area.
“The overall goal of this multi-city partnership is to both encourage tourists from outside the area to travel to west Tennessee to see what makes the area unique, as well as to provide entertainment experiences for locals,” said Jenci Spradlin, executive director of Riders and Rockabilly LLC.
Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist agrees. “Any time we can pull together as a region, everyone benefits. Taking this regional approach will bring increased awareness for the entire area, while featuring each community and its distinct flavor. I certainly applaud the efforts of everyone involved and I believe this will not only create a positive economic impact in Jackson, but throughout west Tennessee.”
The month-long celebration will begin in Jackson with the Riders and Rockabilly Rally and Blues Hog BBQ and Music Festival taking place at the Jackson Fairground Park from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. Highlights of the event will include three days of live music from bands and individuals who call west Tennessee home, as well as the Blues Hog BBQ Competition. The event will run from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. The entertainment lineup will be announced very soon.
The Blues Hog BBQ competition will bring professional teams from across the country vying for the top prize in a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event with payouts of over $15,000 to winners in a number of categories. The Kansas City Barbeque Society is the world’s largest barbeque and grilling association with over 19,000 members and 450 sanctioned contests per year. The grand champion of the event will receive an invitation to compete in both The American Royal Barbeque Competition and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Barbeque Competition.
The Jackson Downtown Development Corporation will also be partnering with the event to incorporate the 25th Annual Shannon Street Music Fest on Friday, July 3 at the fairgrounds with a music line-up featuring some of the favorite bands that have traditionally been a part of this long-running event.
