Entertainment Biz - Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder kick off Dollywood's Barbecue and Bluegrass August 19 and 20 at the Smoky Mountain theme park - (Photo: Business Wire)

Returns Aug. 19-Sept. 5 Featuring 300 Free Concerts

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. USA -- (BUSINESS WIRE)

Thursday August 11, 2011

With more than 300 free concerts and bountiful barbecue offerings, Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass festival makes a triumphant return Aug. 19 through Sept. 5.

“Of course, everybody knows I love bluegrass music,” Dolly Parton said. “The more folks asked me about bringing back my Barbeque & Bluegrass festival, I realized Dollywood fans have a real hunger for bluegrass music and great tastin’ barbecue. Since I aim to please, I’m proud to say Barbeque & Bluegrass is back and better than ever at Dollywood!”

Back by popular demand, the music-filled festival features 14 days of the best in bluegrass. Just a few of the many artists scheduled to perform are:

* Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Aug. 19 & Aug. 20

* J.D. Crowe & The New South Aug. 24 & 31

* Riders In The Sky Aug. 26 & 27

* Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Aug. 28 & 29

* The Gibson Brothers Sept. 2 & 3

* Marty Raybon Sept. 4 & 5

* Sierra Hull Aug. 21 & 22

* The Grascals Aug. 24

* Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Aug. 31

Each artist performs multiple concerts daily. A complete concert lineup is available at www.dollywood.com. All concerts are included with Dollywood admission.

Stellar musicianship and pure vocals echo from six stages throughout the park, including the WDVX Stage at the Back Porch Theatre. New for this year’s festival is the Front Porch Fellowship Stage, a bluegrass gospel stage sponsored by Singing News magazine on Aug. 26, 27 and 28 showcases the close ties between Southern gospel and bluegrass music.

Dollywood also will be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of fresh-from-the-smoker barbecue. Where there’s smoke, guests will find a variety of delicious meal options. The park’s Market Square area is transformed into Barbecue Headquarters, where the plates are piled high with culinary headliners like ribs by the slab, quartered chicken and pulled pork, all prepared onsite and served outdoors so guests can soak up the sights, sounds and delicious aromas of this fun event.

Dollywood’s popular Backstage Restaurant gets a fiery-fresh new menu for the festival featuring all-new barbecue dishes. The festival’s popular deserts return, too, including an astounding three-pound slice of apple pie cut from a whopping 25-pound pie. This year also offers a new twist on a delicious favorite—rich and creamy banana pudding served in a crispy waffle cone.

Old-fashioned family fun includes watermelon and Sara Lee cobbler eating contests. Free food samples, demonstrations and grilling techniques vary by day. The Sauce Tastin’ Station offers for purchase the spiciest, tangiest and downright hottest-of-the-hot barbecue sauces, including several “made in Tennessee” products.

The reigning Applause Award winner, Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 26-Dec. 30), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region.