Trio of bands added to 2017 NIBROC music lineup

Billy Brown will be making his first appearance at NIBROC this year when he opens for Exile next Thursday.

Two familiar bands and newcomer have been added to the entertainment lineup at this year’s NIBROC Festival, and organizers say the event’s return to Main Street is already sparking increased interest among vendors and others.

Home grown country/rock sensation County Wide will take the main stage at the festival on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. The band consists of: Anthony Campbell, on bass guitar and vocals; Aaron Bunch, guitar and vocals; Steven Standifer, guitar and vocals; and Travis Clem on drums.

“County Wide has played at NIBROC before and they perform the type of music that is just perfect for the festival atmosphere,” said Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the principal organizer of the festival.

“This is the third straight year they’ve played at our festival and we are very glad to have them back,” Carpenter said.

Country/Bluegrass six-piece band Blind Ricky has also been included in the festival lineup and is scheduled to play Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7:30 p.m.

Blind Ricky is making a return engagement to the festival and touts itself as “not your Grandpa’s bluegrass band.” The band takes its influences from musical greats like Fleetwood Mack, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Members of Blind Ricky come from across southeastern Kentucky and are accustomed to playing festivals like NIBROC.

Blind Ricky will play NIBROC again this year.

The Billy Brown will be playing NIBROC for the first time next Thursday when they open for the legendary rock and country band Exile.

Incorporating rock with his southern roots, Billy Brown brings his very own flavor to country music. From ballads to boot stompin’ anthems his music breaks the genre barrier and appeals to anyone who loves some good ol’ tunes. Based out of Cincinnati, OH/Northern KY, Billy Brown also travels around the country bringing his style of country music to the masses.

Brown’s performance will start on the main stage at about 7:30 p.m.

Vendors and craft market

Carpenter said interest in the festival on the part of vendors has increased over the previous three years when it was contained to Depot Street.

The Corbin City Commission voted in February, and again in March, to allow the festival to utilize Main Street this year. Unlike in past years, vendors will be set up in the middle of the street so that sidewalks and the entrance to downtown businesses will not be blocked.

“I think it’s a good compromise that’s been made in order to help our merchants take part in the festival, if they choose to, with sidewalk sales or specials,” Carpenter said.

“NIBROC brings a lot of people downtown and we want everyone to be able to take advantage of that.”
New this year will be a crafter’s market that will be added to the festival. Plans are to locate it in NIBROC Park under a large tent.

“We were approached by a local group of crafters and artists who expressed interest in having an area dedicated just to their type of product and I thought that sounded like a great idea,” Carpenter said. “Response to that idea has been very positive. Those are some talented folks and I think they will add a lot to our festival.”

Right now, chamber officials say 16 craft vendors have signed up for the festival and more are anticipated.

Tournaments and other events

NIBROC always includes a plethora of activities for people to actively take part in.

The annual Miss NIBROC Pageant will happen at the Corbin High School Auditorium this Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

The NIBROC Parade will start at 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 10 and will run down Kentucky Ave.

The NIBROC Volleyball Tournament will start Thursday and go until completed on Saturday.

A two-mile road race will happen Friday night. More details next week.

The ninth annual NIBROC Cornhole Tournament will take place at Wyatt’s Auto Wash at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

The fifth annual NIBROC 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will happen Aug. 12 at noon at the Corbin Recreation Center.

The Appalachian Photographic Society photo contest will accept entries until Aug. 9. Photos will be on display at Corbin Cellars for the duration of the festival.

The third annual NIBROC Ping Pong Tournament will start Thursday, Aug. 10 at The Corbin Center off Cumberland Falls Hwy. For more information, call Donnie Head at 606-524-0602.

Entry forms for most events can be found online at www.southernkychamber.com.