The Statesboro Music Festival will return for a second year to the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds next weekend.
The three-day festival celebrates many genres of music and will feature local merchants and activities for all ages.
It’s designed to provide a family friendly atmosphere, inspire and increase community involvement, give a platform to encourage local economic growth, and an opportunity to increase cultural awareness and expression through music.
“We are excited for the opportunity to present the Statesboro Music Festival again this year. Our goal is for the festival to benefit the community on multiple levels,” said H. Lehman Franklin III, a founder of the Statesboro Music Festival.
This year's event will have several additions to family and community activities. It will  expand its focus on the arts by featuring extensive arts and crafts vendors and exhibitors. “Art and music go well together and will offer activities for all ages,” said Ann Walsh, the owner of Free Spirit Pottery & Glass and arts and crafts director of the festival.
This year’s lineup of performing artists includes: Perpetual Groove, the headliner and one of its last performances before it takes a hiatus; Amy Taylor, Betsy Franck, Catherine Kimbro, Celia Gary, Conner Pledger, Daniel Johnson Band, The Deadfields, Dr. Dan Matrazzo & The Looters and Epic Cycle.
The Statesboro Music Festival will also feature the first Battle Of The BoroQue presented by Braswell’s. The Battle Of The BoroQue is a national barbecue competition that is open to professionals and amateurs alike. Both the Memphis Barbecue Network and the
Georgia Barbecue Association have sanctioned the Battle Of The BoroQue. Entry fee for each amateur team is $150. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to charity. Cooking categories are chicken and ribs. Claxton Chicken will provide the chicken, and a
cash prize will be awarded to the Best Rock ’n’ Roll Ribs and Best Kick’n Chicken.
Statesboro Music Festival supports the following local charitable organizations: ARCH Recovery, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bulloch County, Center for Addiction Recovery, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society of Statesboro & Bulloch County and Safe
Haven.
Visit the Statesboro Music Festival website, www.statesboromusicfestival.com, and Facebook pages for the complete band lineup, kid’s activities, food vendors, other event details as well as committee contact information.
The festival takes place from 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A one-day pass costs $10, and a three-day pass if $25. Kids younger than 12 get in free.