Once again, we've got an awesome line up of musicians and music this year. When I think of how fantastic BoCO is going to be this year, well it makes me wish April 28th would get here already. . .soon. . .very soon. This year we KNOW the weather's going to hold out. We know it's going to be a perfectly sunny day and everyone is going to want to come down to the river, to Festival Park, and listen to some great music all day long.

The name's still BoCO. We changed that last year. This year, we've honed it down to one day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It'll be short and sweet, but pack a musical punch.

For the indie/rock/alternative lovers, we've got Onward, Soldiers. They blew us away last year and we expect no less this time around. Great guys, great music. We've got bluegrass with a bang, with Carolina Still, our hometown boys. Mandolin Orange is a favorite on the N.C. festival circuit. Sometimes they play as a duo, but we've got the whole band coming. Mount Moriah is the definition of gritty indie rock/country. Hoopdrum wowed us with their hooping last year, and this year, they're back for more and this time, they're bringing fire! Be there at sunset to watch their fire-hooping performance!

For our musicians and traditional music folk, the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will be taking the stage at 10 a.m. for their jam, then offer up the stage to the Open Mic Variety Show (signup is required beforehand), and we'll hear from Tiki Roadhouse, Still Waters, and Fishing Creek.

For the art lovers, we've got artists selling their handcrafted wares. For the artists, we've got a waterfront worth painting.

For the pale-skinned, we've got a huge tent to sit under for your comfort. For the sun-worshippers, well, we've got a waterfront and, as I said, we're getting a sunny, warm day. And for those who don't want to walk too far, it's all in one place: Festival Park.

For the late-risers, it ends at 10 p.m.; for those who like to get their music out of the way early in the day, it starts at 10 a.m.

For those who are watching their pennies, good news! It's free. For those who have extra dough, sorry, but it's FREE.

For the hungry, the Marine Market will have food vendors all up Water Street, the BCAC selling pizza, and Bobby Jo selling good home cooking under a tent in the park.

Did we leave anything out? I don't think so. So bring a blanket, a chair, some sun-screen, 10 friends, and check it out. And while you wait for the festival date itself to arrive (April 28th) why don't you check out who's playing? Go to the "BANDS" page, and click around on a few links. You'll find something you like.

We'll be adding more stuff as we get closer, so come back and visit. Really.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS
The Beaufort County Arts Council (BCAC) is the main presenter of the festival and will manage all aspects of the event. BCAC is located at 108 Gladden Street in downtown Washington. Contact information is PO Box 634, Washington, NC; Phone 252.946.2504; Fax 252.975.6948; Email beaufortcountyarts@embarqmail.com; on the web at www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org.

BCAC is working closely with the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association regarding performance scheduling and local musician involvement.

BCAC is contracting with professional artists to present an event that will attract visitors from throughout eastern NC.