Kites, Blind Ricky round out NIBROC entertainment lineup

Indie folk-rock band Kites, above, will be the headliner on the main stage Thursday night at the 62nd Annual NIBROC Festival.

The musical lineup for the 2014 NIBROC Festival is now set, and it includes an eclectic blend of bands and performers that truly offer something for everyone.

Bluegrass/rock/folk bank Blind Ricky will kick off the musical entertainment at the festival Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage, followed at 9:30 p.m. by local indie folk-rock sensation Kite — a foursome based in Corbin.

“We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been invited back to the NIBROC Festival for the 2014 edition! Your guesses were correct!” wrote Jo Jo Stephens, co-founder of Kites on the Kites official Facebook Page Tuesday. “We’ll be taking the stage at 9:30pm on Thursday night and you’re gonna want to bring everyone out to this show, because it is without a doubt the best time of the year in downtown Corbin!”

Kites got its start playing locally at events like the Whitley County Farmer’s Market, Moonbow Nights and regularly at You and Me Coffee and Tea in downtown Corbin. The group recently branched out on a multi-state tour and released its first CD

“The city of Corbin has been very kind to us, especially with the entire band moving here from other areas. It really has changed our lives, and been a pleasant surprise to us all,” Stephens said. “To have started Kites only last year, and already be headlining NIBROC speaks volumes to us. We’re very happy that our success and efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, especially in what we now call our hometown. We certainly wouldn’t have accomplished what we have thus far without Corbin, and the city is sure to contribute to our future. We will bring our best for the city that has changed our lives.”

Kites and Blind Ricky will play opening night of the festival. On Friday, country music up-and-comers Borrowed Blue will take the main stage at 9:30 p.m. Opening for them will be County Wide — a modern country rock band based in Corbin.

On Saturday, NIBROC favorites Caught Red Handed will take to the main stage at 7:30 p.m. and play a plethora of recognizable classic rock favorites. They will be followed by the former Bad English singer John Waite at 9:30 p.m., the headlining act of the entire festival.

The main stage will be located along Monroe Street near the main vendor area. All shows are free and open to the public. All seating is first come first serve. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or other seating as no seating will be provided.