It's Finally Time For 'Hog Days of Summer' In Montgomery August 25, 2021 13:21
.
Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
.
.
Back in 2017, a group of longtime friends and Montgomery natives came together to build on a new and exciting concept for their hometown. After years of supporting and watching the success of Hogs For The Cause, a nationally-known barbecue and music festival in New Orleans, these friends decided to bring this concept to Montgomery. It was then that The Druids Charity Club was born, and they would quickly bring their idea to life in the form of Hog Days of Summer.
.
For this year's Hog Days of Summer, we have once again teamed up with our buddies at Hogs for the Cause to help raise money for families affected by pediatric brain cancer. At the end of the day this is what it's all about: harnessing all of this energy and hard work into such a worthwhile cause. The money we raise goes to direct grants which these families can use to offset costs in whatever manner they choose," Inge Hill (Druids Charity Club) explains.
.
Over the last four years, Hog Days has quickly established itself as one of Montgomery's largest, most highly anticipated events of the year. The Druids team has worked tirelessly to unite the River Region's barbecue community in such a unique and refreshing manner. What better way to bring the community together than having so many amazing restaurants under one roof, while incredible, nationally touring artists perform on stage?
.
"The BBQ lineup is top notch. We have all the original teams who have been with us since the beginning, plus a few new faces we've wanted all along but it didn't work out for whatever reason. So, we've got Moe's Original BBQ, Jim N Nick's, Dreamland, Smokehouse, Mojo Hand, Brenda's, K&J Rib Shack, Peche, Monroe Sausage, and, of course, the organizer's personal team Druids BBQ.
.
It's been a tough couple of years for so many businesses. We're particularly sympathetic to the restaurants and those connected to the entertainment industry. These restaurants play a critical part to the festival's success and we're forever indebted to them for their willingness to stick with us. Alabama has a rich BBQ tradition and these restaurants showcase a wide range of styles and influences that are popular in the state and beyond," Hill added.
.
.
While the Druids team has featured some incredible acts, such as North Mississippi Allstars, The Band of Heathens, Banditos, and Rollin' in the Hay, they're confident that this year's musical lineup is their strongest to date. When asked to elaborate on what average Hog Days attendee should expect on Saturday, you could definitely sense the excitement from Hill.
.
"We've really got a great lineup that we are confident will appeal to our diverse crowd. We roughly strive to bring in Blues and Americana acts which is, generally speaking, the roots of most popular American music. So, we've got legendary road man Robert Earl Keen as our headliner. He's an outstanding songwriter out of Texas, in the outlaw country tradition. He's been doing his thing forever, it seems, but still keeps it fresh in 2021.
.
Cedric Burnside will be playing as a duo. If there's better music to be listening to while barbecuing and drinking beer than Mississippi Hill Country Blues, I haven't found it, and Mr. Burnside comes from Hill Country royalty. He brings a fresh and modern sound to a beloved tradition.
.
I don't think anyone in Montgomery needs an introduction to jam/bluegrass-infused/southern rock band Jupiter Coyote. They've been playing 'round these parts for decades, and you know they're going to bring it every time they take the stage. What some may not know is they've been getting back in the studio and writing new material lately. Those guys are continuing to evolve.
.
We are also really excited about our fourth act, Earl 'Guitar' Williams out of Bessemer. Earl grew up with music in his blood, and has travelled far and wide, but has always called Bessemer home. He will be playing a wide range of blues and probably some country. Be sure to look out for his cigar box guitar."
.
Watch Robert Earl Keen perform "Feelin' Good Again" here:
.
.
I would like to think that most anyone in Montgomery can appreciate what the Druids team is doing for this city. We're long past the days of Jubilee City Fest, and Montgomery can use as many annual music festivals as it can get. Aside from the incredible music and delicious barbecue, this is an opportunity to come together and support an amazing cause. Every year, this event leads to a significant donation to Hogs For The Cause, an organization working tirelessly to help families fighting pediatric brain cancer.
.
As a fellow music promoter in Montgomery, few things make me happier than to see others in the community working to improve on the city's music scene. The concept of Hog Days is one that I couldn't admire any more than I already do. Bringing the city together to celebrate a fantastic group of local restaurants, providing top notch, nationally acclaimed live music, and doing it all to raise money for families who need it most. That, my friends, is the definition of a noble cause.
.
When asked what motivates their team to continue spending so much time to build on this event each year, Hill added: "When it all comes together at the last minute, usually right as doors are opening, is a satisfying feeling. The most important thing is getting the checks in the hands of those families. Those stories never fail to bring a tear to our eyes. But beyond that, we've always envisioned this as a community event in every sense of the word. Providing an environment for folks from different generations and parts of the city to get together to eat delicious BBQ, dance to great music, and laugh in the children's area is an honor and an opportunity we don't take lightly."
Those planning to attend Hog Days should take note of the following scheduling notes from the festival's website: Doors open at 3:00 PM. BBQ will be available upon entry. Music begins with Jupiter Coyote at 3:30 PM. Cedric Burnside will perform at 5:45 PM. Robert Earl Keen will follow at 8:00 PM. Earl 'Guitar' Williams and the Juke Band will be playing mini-sets on the side stage at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:15 PM.
.
Watch the official music video for Cedric Burnside's "Step In" here:
.
.
Listen to Jupiter Coyote's "Ship In The Bottle" here:
.
.
