Best of the blues: Beer, barbecue accompany live music in Cumberland this summer

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Blackjack Davey and the Rhythm Kings performs Aug. 27 in Cumberland.

Submitted photo

CUMBERLAND – Food trucks and live music in a family-friendly setting is growing in popularity, as Beer, Blues and BBQ continues in Cumberland this summer.

The crowd June 25 was the biggest town officials had seen in the monthly food and music festival that launched in 2017, and town Special Events Coordinator Julie Patterson is excited about what’s to come.

“I started putting cones in places I never had to before because there was nowhere to walk – we’re kind of outgrowing the space,” Patterson said. “We’re post-pandemic now and people are ready to get out; we have an excellent variety of food trucks and it’s very family friendly because it spills into Honors Park, so the kids can play as the parents have fun.”

Patterson said a combination of good food, free entertainment from well-known bands makes for the growing popularity of the event on the last Saturday of each summer month.

The stage is located at 11623 E. Washington St., east of town hall and north of Honors Park.

Food trucks include not only barbecue, but crowd-pleasers ranging from pizza to corn dogs, and beer to wine. New this year is VIP seating for sponsors to get a free meal and Cumberland swag, she added, but plenty of people simply like to bring their own lawn chairs and relax to the music.

June’s concert featured Gordan Bonham and the Tad Robinson Band, and concluded with fireworks

The next event is 6-10 p.m. July 30, featuring Gene Deer and Harper and Midwest Kind.

On Aug. 27 Sadie Johnson will perform, along with King Bee and the Stingers, and Blackjack Davey and the Rhythm Kings. Aug. 27 is also Community Day, with games, giveaways and free shaved ice and ice cream from 3-6 p.m.; the music will be from 4-10 p.m.

New this year is the addition of “Rocktember.” The Sept. 24 event will feature local group That 90s Band, along with Crush, “the ultimate Bon Jovi experience.” Patterson said community feedback showed a variety of music would be appreciated, so they’re trying rock.

Patterson said she’s proud of the successful event last month and is looking forward to more concerts to come.

“I think it’s a nice thing to do for the community,” she added. “We publicize it pretty well and people love it.”