"Carolina Blue is homegrown and we've worked with them over the years at different catering events," says Don Brown. "We've always enjoyed their music and I've even had the opportunity to take some banjo lessons from James McDowell. During this pandemic, I started thinking of ways that we could all help each other. Sandy and I decided to sponsor Carolina Blue as part of our commitment to support community schools, groups, or organizations that promote education, good character, and our traditional style of music from this part of the country."

Carolina Blue founding members Bobby Powell and Timmy Jones are currently writing a jingle that the band will perform for the first time at their June 22nd online concert. "We've all eaten at Hawg Wild BBQ over the years and Don and Sandy have always been so kind to us," says Powell. "The news of this sponsorship comes at absolutely the perfect time as most of our shows have canceled throughout the summer. The online concerts have been a great way for us to keep our playing chops up, stay connected with our fans, and make a few bucks through donations to help sustain the band until we can get back out on the road. Don and Sandy are a blessing to us and their BBQ is amazing. It's going to be really easy to sing about a place we already love!"

The "Carolina Blue Monday" concerts take place every other week on the band's official Facebook page at 8pm ET. The next scheduled concerts are June 22, July 6, and July 20. For more information on Carolina Blue, visit www.CarolinaBlueBand.com. For more on Hawg Wild BBQ, visit www.HawgWild-bbq.com.

About Carolina Blue
Formed in 2007, Carolina Blue lays claim to a Top 5 Billboard album multiple charting songs later, three International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award nominations and being named Entertainer of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) along with winning the coveted Bluegrass Band of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Album of the Year honors, also from SPBGMA. The band presents bluegrass music like Bill Monroe intended, without being a Bill Monroe cover band. The sound is marked by heavy fiddle and mandolin work; and complex harmony from a group that enjoys sincere engagement with fans. Bobby Powell (guitar and vocals) said he and the Carolina Blue band members, which includes Timmy Jones (mandolin and vocals), James McDowell (banjo and vocals), Reese Combs (upright bass and vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle, recipient of the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Award), “are on the same page when it comes to music and lifestyle. We’re not a partying band. We’re all conservative Christians and we reflect that as a band, too.” The band’s attire is a throwback to the 1940s and 50s. That periodic style of dress was influenced by two of Bobby and Tim’s North Carolina mentors – Roy Chapman and Joe Byers. “They taught us to try to dress better than the folks who are paying money to see us play,” Powell says. “They told us to respect our audience.” Carolina Blue records for Billy Blue Records with their new album, Take Me Back, due for release later this summer.

About Hawg Wild BBQ
Hawg Wild BBQ is located in one of Western North Carolina's most beautiful areas, Brevard in Transylvania County, at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. Hawg Wild can hold a total of 130 guests at a time, with 92 guests in the main dining area and about 40 in an enclosed banquet room. Catering, private parties, and bulk carry-out is available. The restaurant is open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner.

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