The Halifax Events series kicked off spring with the 4th annual Earth Day Celebration in April. The summer features our Friday Night Jam, "Blues, Brews and BBQ" on Friday, June 14th, featuring Virginia's own Steve Bassett and his blues band. According to Columbia Records Producer, John Hammond, Sr., "Steve Bassett's musical style is a synthesis of America's root music; blues, r&b, gospel and rock & roll. Not only does Steve have a true feeling for the blues, he is a master of the gospel idiom, and in this combination of talents he is just about unique in music. He is a singer's singer and he communicates with his audience in a soulful front porch manner that crosses markets and generations and leaves his listener feeling like he has sung to them alone."
Steve Bassett has been called one of America's great artists. His singing moves seamlessly from soft and classic to a soulful gospel/blues shout. Born in Richmond, Virginia, his professional career began at the age of 13 and has carried him around the country as Hammond B3 player for Delbert McClinton, solosit of over 100 network jingles, songwriter, and recording artist of 20 albums of jazz, blues, soul, and originals recorded in New York, Muscle Shoals, and Nashville.
Steve Bassett has been one of Virginia's favorite singers for decades and is co-author of Virginia's theme song "Sweet Virginia Breeze". Steve's band performed with Halifax's own Robyn Robbins for the immensely successful Fund Raiser for the Halifax War Memorial. His most recent appearance in Halifax County was at the 2008 Virginia Cantaloupe Festival with Delbert McClinton.
The Hot Damn Band is Halifax County's very own Blues Band and will kick off the Friday Night Jam from 6pm until 7:30pm. Steve Bassett Blues Band will perform 8pm until 11pm.
There will be some of Halifax County's finest BBQ vendors at the Friday Night Jam: Eddie Tate 'Taterbugs Bar-B-Que, new to Halifax, Ollies from South boston will be featuring their awesome ribs, and Whitey Roark and Mark Dickerson knownas 'Blue Flame Chili Cooperative and BQ Benevolent Society'. Whitey and Mark, certified KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) Judges, will be cooking onsite. Smokin' Jake's will be offering free barbecue tastings.
Our beverage vendors will be Bright Meadows Vineyards and Blue Ridge Beverage. Water and sodas will also be available.
Bring your lawn chairs, appetites, dancing shoes and join us in the Town of Halifax for a great night of Blues, Brews and BBQ!
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate and are available at the Halifax Town Office, Peddler's Market Exchange Store, Common Grounds, Halifax Tourism Visitor Center, Molasses Grill and Bistro 1888 for now.
The Grand Opening for the Town of Halifax Farmers Market is the next morning June 15th, from 8am till 12 noon.
The final event of the season is our fall festival, October Halifest, set for Saturday, October 26th, from 9am till 4pm. Any interested vendors may contact Susi Robbins at 434.470.1602.