Adam Rutledge performing a popular song.
For the 11th straight year, proceeds from the Annual Star-BQ Festival went on to benefit the Rotary Club of Salem. This year’s event took place on Wednesday, September 27, at the Salem Farmer’s Market. Gates opened at 5 p.m., music began at 6 p.m. and things concluded around 9 p.m.
Marek Thorpe never passes up an opportunity to support local music. “I’ve never seen Adam Rutledge, Crawford & Power or Jordan Davis perform live prior to Wednesday,” he said. “I certainly got my money’s worth. They all did a great job.”
Despite having an extensive country music collection, Reese Livers said Wednesday was the first time she had ever been to a live country concert. “It’s one thing to hear your favorite artists on the IPOD. It’s another thing to see them perform live,” she said. “All I saw when I looked around was happy people dancing, smiling and eating wings.”
Kipper Lucas has two goals with every Star-BQ Festival that he attends: take plenty of pictures with friends and eat a lot of food. “This year I was able to bring my parents in from South Dakota and we all had a great time,” he said. Like many others, Kipper and his family brought their own chairs to the festival.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to music. Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and George Strait are some of Glynn Wainwright’s favorite country artists. “I’ve seen all three in concert,” he said. “This year’s Star-BQ lineup reminded me of their stage presence and overall charisma.”
A few years ago, Michael Brodie didn’t quite understand the excitement around the Star-BQ Festival. Now she understands it in the affirmative. “I now look forward to this event every year. I encourage everyone to experience Star-BQ at least once,” she said.