FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010

Got to Be NC Festival features bluegrass music, competition

First 10 bands to register can compete

RALEIGH — The sounds of string plucking, toe tapping and hand clapping will fill the N.C. State Fairgrounds as bluegrass bands take the stage at the Got to Be NC Festival May 21-23.

The Bluegrass Stage will be in the Flower Show area, adjacent to Pitzer Heritage Circle.

Triangle band The Boys from Carolina will perform multiple sets all three days, beginning at noon Friday and Sunday, and at 11 a.m. Saturday. For band information, log on to www.boysfromcarolina.com.

On Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m., amateur bands will compete for top honors and cash prizes in the Bluegrass Band Competition, sponsored by PineCone. The contest is open to the first 10 North Carolina bands to register before competition day. Registration forms are available online at www.ncagfest.com. The top three bands will be recognized, with the champion taking home $500, runner-up $250 and third place $125.

“Bluegrass music has a strong tradition in North Carolina and we have numerous bands across the state with great talent,” said Jim Knight, festival manager. “We’re happy to host them here at the festival.”

The Got to Be NC Festival is presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Festival admission and parking are free. In addition to live music, attractions at this year’s festival include a full carnival, the North Carolina Food Expo, antique farm equipment, a fiber fair and more. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.