For 23 years, the Southern Brewers Festival has combined music, beer and food, and this year will be no different.
Four bands and 100 beers from more than 30 breweries are on tap for the 2017 version, set to take place Saturday, Aug. 26, at Ross's Landing. Participating breweries include beer crafters from California, North Carolina, Oregon, Georgia, Delaware, Alabama, New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, Ohio and all over Tennessee.
Headlining will be The Magpie Salute, which is fronted by Rich Robinson, co-founder of the Black Crowes. It's a 10-piece that combines the group he had while touring and recording as a solo artist with former Crowes Marc Ford and Sven Pipien. Crowes keyboard player Eddie Harsch was to be a member, but died suddenly in 2016.
Robinson said the idea for the new group came up sort of naturally.
"I reached out to Marc last year ... as I get older, I realize what a gift it is to play with people you have a connection with. I called him and asked if he wanted to play and he said, 'I'm there.'"
If you go
› What: Southern Brewers Festival› Where: Ross’s Landing, Riverfront Parkway› When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26; last beer poured at 9:30 p.m.› Admission: $20-$25; children under 12 are free› For more information: www.southernbrewersfestival.com
Robinson said they took the show to New York thinking they would do a show or two, but after the first three sold out as soon as tickets went on sale, they realized they might be onto something.
"It was one of those things where we thought it would be three shows, or sort of a one-off, and they came down and we all had so much fun."
He said it was clear at first that fans wanted to hear Black Crowes material, but he said they came for another reason also.
"They wanted to hear Marc and I play together again."
They liked what they heard and wanted more, and new stuff as well. The fan reaction has been a driving force behind the band, Robinson said.
"It's really the catalyst to keep going. At the end of the day, you can play music in your basement all the time by yourself, and that's great, but you want to play for people. One of our new songs, 'Omission,' is our first original song, and fans love it.
Robinson said everyone in the band is committed to the project, and there are plans to record a new double album in the coming months. Their shows are filled with some classic Black Crowes songs like "Remedy," "Jealous Again" and "She Talks to Angels," as well as some covers and originals.
The Magpie Salute has 10 members, including several vocalists such as John Hogg, Charity White, Adrien Reju and Katrine Ottosen. Robinson said that even without Black Crowes co-founder and his brother, Chris, the band can handle everything from Crowes songs to R&B to country to funk.
"It feels like we can do anything. It's cool to push and see where we can go. We keep throwing in these kinds of songs that push us like a Bob Marley song, and then a Steve Marriott song and then we might bust out stuff my brother sang or a Robert Plant song.
"It's really cool to hear them from a different perspective."
Festivalgoers do not have to be 21 to attend, but everyone must show valid ID at the entrance in order to purchase beer.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.
The music lineup
› Hank & Cupcakes: Hailing from Atlanta, the indie rock-pop husband-and-wife duo formed in Tel Aviv in 2008 and has been playing the grunge, post-punk brand of music around the world since.› Cereus Bright: The five members of Cereus Bright first got together in Knoxville, and have opened shows for Sturgill Simpson, The Oh Hellos, The Lone Bellow and Philip Philips.› Rainbow Kitten Surprise: RKS is a five-piece from Boone, N.C., with influences from artists like Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon.› The Magpie Salute: This 10-piece band features several former members of the Black Crowes, including frontman Rich Robinson.
Good to know
› Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed.› Tents, coolers, outside food or beverages are not allowed.› Leave the family pet at home. Only service animals will be admitted.› Bring some cash for vendors and token purchases. However, credit cards are accepted for the majority of purchases. There will be an ATM on-site.› To park your boat nearby: contact Erwin Marine Riverfront for rental slots at 423-266-1316. Boaters still must enter through the main entrance at Chestnut Street and Second Street.› If you plan to leave and re-enter later, make sure your wristband remains on. No re-entry after 9:30 p.m.