Jonesboro BBQ Festival will feature former American Idol winner
by July 31, 2017 7:38 am 667 views
American Idol winner Scotty McCreery will be the headline act at the 9th annual Downtown Jonesboro BBQ and Music Festival slated for Sept. 30, in downtown Jonesboro. Thousands attend the signature festival event in Northeast Arkansas’ hub city each year. The concert is free of charge. McCreery, a country music star, has sold over 3 million albums and has won the American Country Awards artist of the year; CMT Music Awards breakthrough artist of the year; and the Academy of Country Music Awards best new artist.
McCreery, the 2011 season winner, will be joined on the Ritter Communications Stage by country musician Barrett Baber. A native Arkansan, Baber finished third on NBC’s hit television show, The Voice. In recent years the festival has seen Brett Michaels, Brothers Osbourn, The Commodores, Lee Brice, 38 Special, Rick Springfield, Easton Corbin and Night Ranger perform in Downtown Jonesboro.
“We are excited to again host two big acts this year for the public at no cost. The event is also about providing our community and visitors with an opportunity to see Jonesboro and all the things we have to offer,” festival chairman Tim McCall said.
The festival will feature the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned Arkansas State Championship. The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) is the largest BBQ organization in the world. Each year, the grand champion is invited to the American Royal and Jack Daniels World Championship. The event also includes activities for the kids, plenty of food, vendors, crafts and a kid’s area sponsored by HiJinx, with a donation going to a local charity.
“The past few years we have seen contestants from all over the country. We have been working hard to make the BBQ event bigger and better in 2017. We have some great sponsors this year and look forward to giving away over $10,000 in cash and prizes,” event coordinator Jack Turner said.