The 2nd annual “Peg Leg” Howell BBQ and Blues Festival took over downtown Eatonton’s City Center Stage this past Saturday when several hundred music lovers enjoyed sets by five live acts, with a professional DJ keeping the crowd entertained during changeovers between bands.
The event was inspired by Joshua “Peg Leg” Howell, born in Eatonton in 1888 and a self-taught guitar player who went on to record “New Prison Blues” in 1926, the first country blues record ever made by Columbia Records.
Surrounded by about 30 food trucks and vendors offering everything from traditional pork and beef barbeque to giant turkey legs to delicious, fresh key lime cake to the ubiquitous flavored crushed-ice treats, there was no excuse to go hungry.
Meanwhile, the new Lumberjaxe bar offered not only axe throwing and cold brews on tap, but an excellent overhead view of the stage and crowd.
After DJ Michael Ellison wrapped up his first set, TG Live, out of Savannah, opened the live show with a rousing set. Led by singer Tre Moore, with Eatonton native Terry Dorsey Jr. on lead guitar, the Tru Gentlemen (TG) got the early birds up on their feet and dancing to an energetic beat.
Perhaps the act closest to “Peg Leg’s” spirit, master slide player John Emil next took to the stage in a solo act with nothing but a guitar and his voice to entertain the crowd. The dancing may have died down, but true blues fans were treated to genuine, heartfelt, soulful renditions of blues classics that brought the traditional Mississippi Delta sound to life in central Georgia.
The Trouble Tones were up next for the mid-afternoon crowd, presenting another lively set of traditional blues, complete with horns and harmonizing vocals to get the crowd going strong again.
The Atlanta-based combo is a regular in blues hotbeds like Memphis and New Orleans and can now count Eatonton among its conquered destinations.
Next, Atlanta’s Black Koffee served as an ideal intro to West Love and the 478 Band, who really got the crowd going again with even more spirited, soulful stylings that included bringing several fans onstage to sing and dance alongside the musicians.
Overall, the “Peg Leg” festival presented an impressive display of music, food and fellowship for fans of all ages and backgrounds, promoting a true melting pot of Putnam County’s diverse population.