You’ve heard of the Waka Winter Classic, right? It’s the battle-of-the-bands competition featuring local groups competing for a spot on a Wakarusa stage.
Well, with a new country music festival coming to Mulberry Mountain this summer, it seems only fair that local country bands should also have a chance to earn a spot on a big-time festival lineup.
As it happens, that’s already been created, and a series of events will kick off next month in several cities across the region, including one in Fayetteville on Saturday, March 2 at George’s Majestic Lounge.
The Fayetteville event will feature locals Strange Derangers, Charliehorse, Luke Williams, Backroad Anthem and Kelly Road. During the competition, the crowd will choose their favorite group, and the winning band will earn a spot on the Thunder on the Mountain festival lineup. Admission is $5.
Three other throwdowns are planned on March 14 in Little Rock at The Rev Room, March 15 in Ft. Smith at Longhorn Saloon and March 16 in Ft. Worth, Texas at Lola’s Saloon.
Thunder on the Mountain is set for June 6-8 on Mulberry Mountain, and includes performances by Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry and others. Tickets are on sale now at thunderonthemountain.com.
