The 4th Annual Bands, Brews and BBQ to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice will be held Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23 in the Town of Port Royal. Friday night will feature wings, bands and brews, and Saturday will be the first sanctioned event of the year for the South Carolina Barbecue Association as cookers compete for the best barbecue and ribs. This year’s featured bands include a myriad of regional voices and talents, but leading the array will be the Blue Dogs from Charleston.

<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cover-Bands-Brews-and-BBQ1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10069" alt="Cover-Bands, Brews and BBQ1" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cover-Bands-Brews-and-BBQ1.jpg" width="158" height="153" /></a>Playing Friday, February 22 from 7:30 to 10 p.m., the Blue Dogs is a bluegrass band that has been playing shows and releasing CDs and DVDs for 25 years. The band’s style is solid yet varied, able to stick to bluegrass roots, while then managing to incorporate African djembe drums seamlessly into the show. As music critic Beatle Bob wrote, “Musically they stay close to the roots with their stellar ensemble pickin’, but their snappy original material and their ability to transform roots-rock chestnuts proves that there’s nothing retro or neo in this gang. It sounds like rib meat falling off a bone.” What better anchor band for a barbecue festival!

Supporting acts to the Blue Dogs are:

<b>• Cluster Shucks: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., February 22:</b> This local trio of musicians plays the gamut from Bon Jovi to bluegrass to R-Kelly.

<b>• The Bull Grapes: 12 to 1:30 p.m., February 23: </b>This rockin’ blues group from Frogmore plays rock, country, blues and old time.

• The Accomplices: 1:30-3:30 p.m., February 23: This Lowcountry string band from Savannah is a unique sort of rock and groove-based bluegrass with overtones of jazz and bohemian country. With acoustic/effected guitars, upright bass, percussion, mandolin and fiddle, their playing is one cross-genre blend of musical style and influence that will engage every type of listener.

Bands, Brews &amp; BBQ is a major fundraiser for Friends of Caroline Hospice, a non-profit organization that offers end-of-life services to patients and their families at no cost.

Tickets are $20 each day or $35 for both days. Children under the age of 12 are free. There will be activities for children Saturday that include Jumping Jaxx,  Chuck the Clown, PB&amp;J from Hobbit Hill and ice cream from Brusters Real Ice Cream.

Tickets may be purchased online at friendsofcarolinehospice.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the following locations: Carolina Wings &amp; Ribs, 1714 Ribaut Road; Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, 701 Craven Street; Lowcountry Produce Market &amp; Café, 302 Carteret Street; Q on Bay, 822 Bay Street and 94.5 the Coast in Habersham. Or call 843-525-6257.
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