ASHEVILLE, NC – After 14 successful years hosting the French Broad River Festival, the organizers have planned a fall festival in the same incredible setting that will feature a few of the area’s best resources: craft brew, great music and beautiful scenery. Just north of Asheville, Hot Springs is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking whitewater, fishing, hiking, biking and more. With the festival grounds being located on the banks of the French Broad River and it’s intersection with the Appalachian Trail, festival- goers can enjoy all the outdoors has to offer, but while the spring festival features a whitewater raft race, mountain bike race and other activities, the fall festival will be all about the music, craft beers, and food on one glorious afternoon, camping included, which sets it apart from other “brew” festivals.
Date: Sept. 24 – 25, 2011
Beer: 12+ area breweries will be onsite and festival-goers will receive a commemorative souvenir glass for sampling from 4 pm – 11 pm on Sat. Sept 24.
Entertainment: The musical lineup is outstanding, featuring: The Lee Boys, whose sacred steel style is rooted in gospel, but is infused with rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country and world music genres in a powerful jamming mix. Yarn, back by popular demand from the spring festival, whose lead singer Blake Christiana mines his heavy Americana sound from lyrics shaped by the genteel sincerity of Gram Parsons. Josh Phillips Folk Festival, definitely one of the best live area bands whose music seamlessly bounces between folk, world, reggae, and R&B. Eyes of the Elders, voted “Best Band in Charlotte” (2009), another returning artist that has lit up the river fest stage as it spreads the hip-hop genre over a toasted piece of Southern Rock, sprinkles itself with a touch of Classical, puts on slice of jazz and tops it all off with a dash of psychedelic jam. Woody Wood, a legend in the making, this local famed musician delivers his music with all the soul, power, and energy that have made him renowned as a musician’s musician. Sons of Ralph, another outstanding live band featuring a bluegrass legend (Ralph Lewis) and his two sons. Voted “Best Band of WNC” 8 out of the last 10 years.
Environment: Where the French Broad River intersects with the Appalachian Trail . . .
Relax: No worries about driving, because camping is included with private campsites, rv sites and cabins available on the festival grounds. Lodging is also available within walking distance at one of the hotels or B&B’s in town. In addition to the festivities, festival-goers can also enjoy the 100 acre resort & spa’s modern Jacuzzi style hot tubs, positioned outside along the river and supplied with a continuous flow of Natural Hot Mineral Water and a staff of massage therapists on hand to compliment your soaks. If you’d like to reserve a soak in the mineral springs or a stay in the campground in advance of the festival, go to www.nchotsprings.com.
Location: The festival takes place at the Hot Springs Campground & Spa, just 45 minutes north of Asheville, and sits on the edge of this historic town that is surrounded by national forest and is a crossroads of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River.
Food vendors and more: Great food will be available at the festival or you can dine out in one of Hot Springs restaurants. From here you can hike the AT, paddle the French Broad, fish, shop, visit the adjacent spa, hot tubs . . . camping is included, sleeping is optional.
Good Cause: Over the years, The French Broad River Festival has donated over $75,000 to designated local charities such as Manna Food Bank, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC, Eliada Home, Homeward Bound of Asheville, and American Whitewater. A portion of the Fall Fest proceeds will benefit the Hot Springs Community Learning Center.
Tickets are $75 and include a 5oz. commemorative souvenir sampling glass, unlimited beer samplings (from over 12 area breweries) between 4pm-11pm on Sept. 24 in the exclusive Brew Tent, camping, nearly 12 hours of music and a beautiful venue. $60 ticket for music and camping only (no beer sampling).
www.FrenchBroadFallFest.com provides ticket purchase info, lineup, directions and more
www.facebook.com/frenchbroadriverfestival
www.twitter.com/frenchbroadfest
www.myspace.com/frenchbroadriverfestival.com
Go to www.nchotsprings.com for information about campground, spa reservations, directions.
