The celebration of Home Team BBQ's 20th anniversary is a testament to the power of community and shared experiences. Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan, the founders of Home Team BBQ, first connected at a Widespread Panic concert in 2002, and their shared passion for music and good food has since blossomed into a thriving restaurant empire. This fall, they're bringing together the band's musical community for a three-day, two-location event in Charleston, SC, that promises to be a unique and memorable experience.
The event will kick off at Home Team BBQ's Downtown Charleston location on September 24th and 25th, featuring a diverse lineup of artists. On the first night, Guilt Ridden Troubadour and Mac Leaphart will set the tone, while on the second night, Bloodkin and Shonuff will take the stage in the restaurant's courtyard. The atmosphere will be electric, with the addition of Williams Tonks, Sunny Ortiz, and Davis Coen, all adding their unique flavors to the evening's performances.
The highlight of the festival will be the final day, September 26th, when the party moves to The Refinery. This show will tap into both the South Carolina and Widespread Panic musical communities, featuring sets by Paul Cauthen, SCAM Allstars, WERI Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreation Industry, and Mac Leaphart & Reid Stone. Two of these acts are veritable supergroups, with the SCAM Allstars boasting a star-studded lineup, including Cameron Williams, Sam Holt, Randolph Turner, Jason Fuller, Stephen Spivey, and Richard Proctor, with special guests like Jerry Joseph and Eric Carter. The WERI Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreation Industry bring together Ortiz, Ben Reynolds, William Tonks, and Rob Keller, creating a dynamic and energetic performance.
What makes this event particularly fascinating is the deep-rooted connection between the artists and the band. Ortiz, for instance, recently joined Holt, a former Widespread Panic guitar tech, in Chattanooga, TN, during a Michael Houser tribute run, paying homage to the band's founding member who passed away in 2002. This event is not just a celebration of music and food; it's a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the Widespread Panic community and the power of shared experiences.
In my opinion, this festival is a brilliant example of how music can bring people together and create lasting memories. It's a celebration of the community that has grown around Widespread Panic and the founders' shared passion for music and good food. As a music enthusiast, I find it incredibly inspiring to see how these connections can evolve and thrive over time, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
