“Headlining the 2019 Cullman Strawberry Festival for the festival’s 80th anniversary will be Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. Following an extended 50th anniversary tour, the ensemble grew to a six-piece in 2018 for the first time since their early jug band days,” said a media release from CP&R.
“The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played its first gig in southern California in 1966 and had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock community by 1969. Its career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of the record ‘Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy’ and the single ‘Mr. Bojangles,’ a folky Top 10 pop hit that remains a staple of the (band’s) live show. The band secured sixteen Top 10 country hits between 1983 and 1990, including three number 1 singles: ‘Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),’ ‘Modern Day Romance,’ and ‘Fishin’ in the Dark.’
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Cullman Strawberry Festival, headlining a day full of live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, games, a farmers market, plenty of strawberries and more than 100 vendors in an arts & crafts show.
On Wednesday, Anderson told The Tribune, “Since it’s the 80th anniversary of the state’s oldest Strawberry Festival, we wanted to be sure to feature a great band to wrap up a big celebration. We hope that this band will bring back memories for many and be a part of creating new memories for all of us.”
The Strawberry Festival will hold its Senior Shindig on Friday, Apr. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Festhalle. Lunch will be provided by Wal-Mart Transportation for the first 300 seniors 50 and older, and The Fairlanes will perform. The event will include a buck dance contest, talent show (please register with the Cullman County Commission on Aging prior to the event) and bingo contest.
The Strawberry Festival will take place in Depot Park and the Festhalle Saturday, April 27 beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CullmanStrawberryfest.
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