Let me get this straight: Bele Chere is turning 30 this year, so in honor of the auspicious anniversary they are bringing in cutting-edge headliners Travis Tritt and the Wailers—those two fading stars—for a paid sunburn fest in the ballpark, no less, plus Doyle Lawson, Cowboy Mouth, Edwin McCain, Lee Boys, Grascals, Third World and Steve Azar? Is this a joke? Seriously, the local performers are more interesting than the nationals!
Who’s booking this event? Bele Chere is turning 30, not 90. No wonder the event’s going into the red. With a yawn-inducing lineup like the one announced thus far, they could make a last-minute booking of U2 or R.E.M. and people would still stay away in droves.
— Fred Mills
Asheville
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I totally agree with you. Bele Chere is sinking faster than the Titanic and taking all the fun of the festival down with it. What hppened to booking up and coming artists like Xavier Rudd, or great jam bands like Drive-by Truckers or Galactic? If Bele Chere doesnt watch it, everyone one will be driving up the road to FloydFest in VA that is held the same weekend, at least they have decent acts and music that actually has something to say. Travis fraking Tritt . . . are you kidding me?