Sweet Licks Dixieland Jazz, seen here at 2017's festival, will perform from 10 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Sept. 9.
CULLMAN – The second annual Bernard Blues and BBQ Arts and Music Festival will be held on the campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9, 2018.
Festival Director Joyce Nix said the event promises a new twist on tradition at St. Bernard. In addition to the wonderful variety of handmade arts and crafts, live musical performances will take place throughout the entire weekend.
The Blues Hammer Band will kick off the event on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. On Sunday Sweet Licks Dixieland Jazz will perform from 10 a.m.-noon, followed by De Ja’ Blue Horns at noon and Cullman County’s own Bama Blu Grace at 2 p.m.
“The food is worth the drive from anywhere in the world,” Nix said. “Whether you enjoy hickory smoked pulled pork, barbeque ribs pulled off the grill, hamburgers or hotdogs, you will love Bernard Blues and BBQ. Freddie Day and his crew at Freddie Day Catering will be onsite the entire weekend providing the best of pulled pork, ribs and chicken wings in the USA.”
St. Bernard Abbey Monk bread will also be available for purchase, in addition to funnel cakes, strawberry waffles, and fried apple and peach pies.
At the conclusion of the show, St. Bernard Prep will give away more than $10,000 in cash prizes.
“All the proceeds from Bernard Blues and Barbeque go to our work in educating today’s young people,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, director of development. “People who support this event make it possible for us to offer the best education we can provide today’s students.”
Festival hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, Sept. 8 and 9. Admission to the festival is only a $5 donation; children 5 and younger are free. Ave Maria Grotto is open for a reduced admission price of only $3.
Businesses who would like to help with a sponsorship are encouraged to contact Nix directly at 256-255-5860.
For more information, visit www.stbernardprep.com or www.facebook.com/bernardbluesandbbq.
