Pretend Friend’s adding a little grass to this year’s Blues Brews and Barbecue festival.
The progressive bluegrass band out of Wichita brings a unique sound that “sounds like the quick-pickin’ offspring of Robert Plant and the Stanley Brothers.”
Since 2017 the band has toured 13 states throughout the midwest and South and performed locally at events such as Riverfest and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield where they won the 2020 Battle of the Bands contest. The band has high-energy sets loaded with harmony, and jams and has musical chops to back it up.
Talented songwriter and guitarist Grant Boesen, is joined on stage by Kansas champion mandolinist Evan Ogborn, bassist and sound engineer Brody Wellman, and banjoist Garrett Briggeman.
“Pretend Friend respects tradition and its musical heritage while consistently breaking new ground,” wrote Jedd Beaudoin, Host/Producer of Strange Currency with KMUW (NPR).
“The combination of expert writing and outstanding musicianship places the band in rarified company—one of those bands that wows fellow musicians with its acumen and leaves everyone tapping their toes and singing along to songs that seem to have always been.”
Blues Brews and Barbecue will also feature Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations, Bag of Blues and local favorite 80 Proof Engine.
On tap will be craft beers from Walnut River, Salt City as well as a few domestics and wine. Local favorites Wings and Tails Barbecue and TacoMike will be feeding the hungry crowd.
Gates open at 3 p.m. Music starts at 4 p.m. and will till 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Harveycountynow.com/bbb.
