Semifinals begin May 4 for HayesGrass II

They applied, we listened and now eight High Country bands and musicians have been selected to participate in HayesGrass II, a playoff-style contest taking place between April 13 through May 15, with the winner performing as the opening act for the renowned Lonesome River Band, when the popular bluegrass outfit plays at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on May 16.

The prize package also includes a percentage of the ticket sales each night the band advances and a future concert booking at the Center this year. Last year’s winner was Surefire Bluegrass Band.“We’re very excited to present this second installment of HayesGrass,” said Kenneth Kay, artistic director of the Hayes Center. “We hope that we’ll be able to do something like HayesGrass each and every year. Last year’s contest was great fun for the audiences. They got to see and hear some of the best up and upcoming bluegrass bands around.”

Bands representing the surrounding High Country area were asked to apply for consideration in HayesGrass II by submitting a CD, tape or electronic file of their music, a brief history/biography of the band, a list of past appearances and a schedule of upcoming performances.

HayesGrass II Schedule

(Winners are listed in bold)

Quarterfinals
April 13, Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. Back Porch Bluegrass
April 14, John T. Woodall Band vs. The Moore Brothers
April 20, Roland Jones Orchestra vs. High Grass
April 21, CreekSide Grass vs. Kudzu

Semifinals
May 4, Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. John T. Woodall Band
May 5, High Grass vs. CreekSide Grass

Finals
May 15, May 4 winner vs. May 5 winner

The semifinal round of HayesGrass II consists of two bands performing a 40-minute set each night. Winners of these evenings will move on to the final round on May 15. The final two bands will compete for the grand prize. A change in this year’s contest is the addition of two surprise guest judges each night. Audience members will be the third component in deciding which band advances. Bands are encouraged to bring as many fans as they can for support.

“We also want folks to know that this year’s judging is going to be a bit different than last time,” Kay said. “The audience will still have a vote, but we are going to bring in two independent judges for each phase of the contest.”

HayesGrass II semifinal dates are May 4 and 5; Final round, May 15; and Lonesome River Band, May 16. Tickets for the semifinal rounds are $10; final round is $15 and are available by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627 or online at www.hayescenter.org.

The mission of the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center is to pursue excellence in every way including programming and superior services for our patrons; engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures, and economic backgrounds; instill in the children and youth of the community a life-long love and participation in the arts; and be a community gathering place for active exchange about culture and creativity.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road (off U.S. 321) in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-9627.

Upcoming Shows

April 30 – May 9
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 by Rocket Players Youth Theatre.
Sequel to the sold-out 2007 production by RPYT.

May 2
DRAMAFEST!
Day-long family-fun celebration of theatre. FREE

May 4-5 & 15
HAYESGRASS (semifinals & finals)
Bluegrass band competition. Audience and guest judges vote winners.

May 16
LONESOME RIVER BAND
Back by popular demand, one of bluegrass music’s most popular and influential acts returns after last year’s sold-out concert.