Moe’s Original BBQ Opens Newest Location in Downtown Gadsden, AL

Moe’s Original BBQ has scheduled its grand opening in mid-May of its newest location at 208 S Second Street in Downtown Gadsden, inside the iconic Blue’s building. Known for its award-winning Alabama-style smoked meats and Southern sides, this new spot will bring the fast casual rib joint’s signature flavors and laid-back charm to the vibrant, family-friendly community. In addition to the beloved menu of slow-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and delicious desserts, the new location will also feature a full bar, with rotating drink specials and plans for live music and other events like trivia nights in the near future.

The restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with bar hours extending into the evening as activities ramp up. Set in a historic brick building, the 5,000-square-foot space features 1,200 square feet of cozy dining area with tile floors, handcrafted wooden furniture, all designed to offer a warm, welcoming vibe. There’s seating for up to 80 guests, plus an outdoor patio, perfect for sunny lunches or evenings under the stars. Whether you’re stopping in with family, catching up with friends, or grabbing takeout, the newest Moe’s Original BBQ will offer a little something for everyone. 

“My brother Michael and I have had our sights set on Gadsden for awhile,” said local co-owner Chris Campbell. “It has always been a dream of opening a Moe’s in our hometown as we knew it was the perfect place to bring this style of good Southern food, cold drinks, and great vibes.”

Recognized with many awards, Moe’s Original BBQ has been named in the Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal, one of the fastest growing, emerging restaurant chains by Restaurant Business Magazine, and one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish. Served with red BBQ and Alabama white sauces, the award-winning smoked menu features pulled pork, ribs, smoked wings, turkey and chicken as well as catfish and shrimp. Prepared fresh daily, a rotation of 60 traditional Southern sides and house made desserts are also offered. Guests can also take advantage of catering for parties and events. 

For interviews, photos, press kit, menus or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For additional information about Moe’s Original BBQ, visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com.

Telluride Brewing Co. & Good People Brewing Team Up with Moe’s Original BBQ for Good Ride Lager

Telluride Brewing Company, Good People Brewing, and Moe’s Original BBQ are proud to present Moe’s Original Good Ride Lager, a hop-forward West Coast Pilsner crafted for this year’s Collaboration Fest on April 19 in Denver. Crafted for good times and great BBQ, Good Ride Lager (5.4% ABV) delivers a clean, citrusy bite that cuts through smoky meats and rich Southern sides like it was made for Moe’s menu—because it was. Featuring Cryo-Columbus, Krush, and Nectaron hops, it’s bold enough to stand up to ribs and smooth enough to sip all day at a crawfish boil. Brewers from across the country team up at Collaboration Fest to create one-time-only beers in support of the Colorado Brewers Guild. 

“Collaboration Fest is about working together, pushing boundaries, and having fun—and that’s exactly what this beer celebrates,” said Tommy Thacher, President and Co-Founder of Telluride Brewing Company. “We couldn’t have picked better partners than Good People Brewing to make it happen. And since we’re launching distribution in their backyard, we figured we’d bring Moe’s Original BBQ along for the ride to keep the party rolling in the South and in Colorado.”

After the festival, Moe’s is keeping the party rolling with a statewide series of launch parties at locations across Colorado:

Good Ride Lager Launch Parties at Moe’s Original BBQ:

  • Englewood – Thursday, April 24 | 6 PM
  • Eagle – Thursday, May 1 | 5 PM
  • Lakewood – Thursday, May 1 | 4 PM
  • Steamboat Springs – Friday, May 2 | 5 PM
  • Boulder – Sunday, May 4 | Crawfish Boil | 2 PM

These celebrations follow Moe’s involvement in the Southern rollout of Telluride Brewing’s expansion into Alabama, Western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle—bringing mountain-born beer to new territory, with Good People Brewing handling the Southern brews and Moe’s Original BBQ making sure the eats are on point.

“Whether it’s tailgating, live music, or just kicking back with friends, Moe’s has always been about more than just food—it’s about the moment,” said Moe’s Original BBQ Founding Partner Jeff Kennedy. “Good Ride Lager fits that vibe perfectly.”

ABOUT MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ
Moe’s Original BBQ has been recognized as one of America’s Top 10 BBQ Chains by USA Today and The Daily Meal. The brand continues to grow rapidly, also earning praise from Restaurant Business Magazine and Relish for its ribs and rising-star status. Whether it’s a laid-back tailgate or a big family gathering, Moe’s delivers legendary BBQ experiences with every plate. 

ABOUT TELLURIDE BREWING COMPANY
Founded in 2011, Telluride Brewing crafts award-winning beer with Rocky Mountain snowmelt and top-tier ingredients. Their Face Down Brown and Whacked Out Wheat have earned multiple medals at GABF and the World Beer Cup. Now expanding beyond Colorado, their beers are available in Alabama, West Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.

To learn more about Good Ride Lager, Moe’s launch events, or the full festival schedule, visit moesoriginalbbq.com or telluridebrewingco.com. For Moe’s Original BBQ interviews, photos, a press kit, menus or complimentary media tasting, contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

Experience the Magic of Moontime Markets: Nashville, Charleston & Asheville

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Moontime Markets make their way to three iconic cities: Nashville, Charleston, and Asheville! These vibrant markets are more than just a place to shop but also a full-on celebration of music, art, community, and culture, bringing together incredible vendors, live music, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Moontime Markets for the first time, you won’t want to miss these high-energy events leading up to Widespread Panic’s concerts!

Nashville: April 26th from 12-5pm at New Heights Brewing

Charleston: May 17th from 12-6pm at New Real Brewing

Asheville: July 26th from 12-5pm at The Grey Eagle at Hatch Amphitheater

Each Moontime Market is a pre-show gathering designed to get you in the festival spirit before Widespread Panic takes the stage. Expect a curated selection of 30+ artisan vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and lot tees to unique art pieces and specialty goods. It’s the perfect chance to shop small, discover local talent, and pick up exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else.

Of course, no Moontime Market is complete without live music! Each event will feature talented bands, setting the tone with a mix of jam, rock, and funk vibes. Pair that with an exclusive beer releases at select locations, food trucks serving up tasty eats, and even a cannabis bus in Nashville for those looking to explore alternative wellness options.

More than just a place to shop, Moontime Markets are a hub for music lovers, creatives, and the Widespread Panic community. Whether you’re grabbing cool finds, supporting small businesses or just soaking in the good vibes before the show, this is the ultimate way to elevate your concert experience.

Red Bluff Music, Arts and Food Festival in Montgomery, AL

Red Bluff Music, Arts and Food Festival is thrilled to announce its unforgettable weekend of live music, creative arts, and culinary delights from May 16-18 at Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery. This year’s festival will showcase an exciting array of musical talent including Mononeon, Eggy, Clay Street Unit, DJ Logic (x3), Buffalo Nichols, Boukou Groove, Winston Ramble, Little Raine Band, Electric Blue Yonder, The Major Dudes (Steely Dan Tribute), and Blues Old Stand. Each year, the festival attracts renowned musical talents while highlighting local and regional bands, along with visual and culinary artists, creating a dynamic cultural celebration for all.

The festivities kick off on Friday night at Red Bluff Bar with a free show open to the public, followed by dynamic performances at the Riverwalk Amphitheater on Saturday and Sunday. With single-day ($50), two-day ($80), and VIP ($200) ticket options available now at RedBluffFest.com, fans can secure their spot at one of the year’s most anticipated events.

In addition to an electrifying musical and artistic experience, Red Bluff Music, Arts and Food Festival is now offering sponsorship as well as artist and craft vending opportunities. Local businesses and other brands have the chance to engage with a passionate audience and become a vital part of the festival’s success.

“We’re excited to bring such a stellar lineup and showcase the best in music, creative arts, and culinary innovation,” said Jud Blount, Founder of the festival. “By partnering with local businesses through our sponsorship and vending opportunities, we foster a vibrant celebration that benefits everyone.”

Red Bluff Music, Arts and Food Festival is dedicated to showcasing live performances, fostering community engagement, and supporting local businesses in the River Region. With a commitment to quality entertainment and community partnership, it is a must-attend event for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and local entrepreneurs alike.

For more information, tickets, sponsorship and vending inquiries, go to www.RedBluffFest.com. For media passes, please contact lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

Mental Awakening Festival Returns in Atlanta

Westside Motor Lounge welcomes the return of Mental Awakening, a two-day festival filled with live music, local art, and community spirit, on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 2025. Presented by Crawfish For A Cause, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, the annual event brings together music lovers, artists, and advocates for an unforgettable weekend — all in support of critical mental health initiatives in the Atlanta area. Now in its fifth year, Mental Awakening has grown from a backyard gathering with just two bands into a multi-day festival that draws over 2,000 attendees, showcases a dozen bands, and raises thousands of dollars to support local nonprofits working directly with individuals, schools, and treatment centers across the community.

The 2025 lineup is packed with standout performances from Eggy, Shadowgrass, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Clay Street Unit, Dizgo, Arkansauce, Nether Hour, Potch, Three Star Revival, Cody Matlock, Spaghetti Western, The Regulars, The Redwoods, and Tate Renner. Whether music fans are longtime supporters or first-time festivalgoers, the diverse mix of jam bands, bluegrass, rock, and funk offers something for everyone.

Along with two full days of music, guests can explore work from local artists, enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks, and dig into the festival’s signature crawfish boil on Saturday. Crawfish lovers, take note— Saturday’s signature crawfish boil is always a hot ticket, and servings are limited. Snag crawfish tickets in advance when purchasing festival admission to not miss out. 

Westside Motor Lounge, known for its expansive indoor-outdoor space, will again serve as the home for the weekend’s festivities. Spanning nearly three acres, the venue features a full-service restaurant, two bars, a private event space, Echo Room — a curated Jazz Kissa listening bar — and a vibrant outdoor courtyard with shuffleboard courts, fire pits, ample seating, a vintage Airstream bar, and a performance stage that will showcase all of the weekend’s live music.

Save the Date: 5th Annual Drifter Fest

Get ready, music lovers as the 5th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam is officially on the horizon! Mark your calendars for September 5-7th in Charleston and prepare for a weekend filled with unforgettable performances, vibrant community vibes, and good times.

Drifter Fest is an annual event in Charleston, SC that celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs. It has grown into a must-attend celebration of music, art, local eats and specialty drinks. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit Rock ‘n Roll Rescue, a non profit that allows children access to music education programs.

This year’s lineup is set to bring an electrifying mix of legendary acts and rising stars, blending the roots of rock, jam, and soul. We’ll also have a plethora of Drifter Merch designs available on-site along with many other talented vendors. Stay tuned for the official lineup announcement later this Spring, ticket info, and all the details you need to plan your journey. 

For more information about the fest, vending and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.drifterfest.com.

Top Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025: Insights from Industry Experts

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve at lightning speed, staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever. In 2025, emerging technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, and innovative strategies are set to redefine how businesses connect with their audiences.

1. AI-Driven Personalization

   •   Key Insight: Advanced AI tools are enabling hyper-personalized marketing campaigns, delivering tailored content and recommendations to individual consumers.

   •   Impact: Brands are leveraging AI to improve customer retention and increase conversion rates by creating highly relevant experiences.

2. Short-Form Video Dominance

   •   Key Insight: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are leading the charge, with short-form videos continuing to outperform other formats.

   •   Actionable Tip: Brands should focus on creating engaging, authentic, and concise video content to capture attention quickly.

3. Voice Search Optimization

   •   Key Insight: As voice-enabled devices become more common, optimizing for voice search is critical. Consumers are searching for products and services using natural, conversational language.

   •   Strategy: Use long-tail keywords and conversational phrasing in SEO efforts.

4. Sustainability as a Selling Point

   •   Key Insight: Consumers, especially Gen Z, prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable brands. Transparency in environmental efforts is a must.

   •   Example: Highlight eco-friendly packaging or sustainable sourcing in marketing materials.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) Marketing

   •   Key Insight: AR technology is transforming the way consumers interact with products, allowing for virtual try-ons and immersive brand experiences.

   •   Application: Retail and fashion industries are using AR for virtual fitting rooms and product visualizations.

6. Rise of Micro-Influencers

   •   Key Insight: Micro-influencers (with smaller, niche audiences) deliver higher engagement and trust compared to mega-influencers.

   •   Why It Works: Their audiences are more loyal and connected, resulting in better ROI for brands.

7. Focus on Brand Authenticity

   •   Key Insight: Consumers value authenticity and expect brands to be transparent, socially responsible, and aligned with their values.

   •   Implementation: Share behind-the-scenes stories and user-generated content, and avoid overproduced marketing materials.

8. Subscription Models and Loyalty Programs

   •   Key Insight: Subscription services and loyalty programs are becoming more popular across industries.

   •   Impact: They provide steady revenue streams and increase customer lifetime value.

9. Omnichannel Marketing

   •   Key Insight: Customers expect seamless experiences across online and offline touchpoints.

   •   Recommendation: Integrate marketing campaigns across all platforms from email, social media, in-store experiences, and mobile apps.

As we step into 2025, embracing these marketing trends can position your business for growth, innovation, and stronger customer connections. The key is to stay adaptable, prioritize your audience’s needs, and integrate new strategies thoughtfully into your marketing efforts.

Remember, the trends of today are the building blocks for the future—start experimenting, measuring results, and refining your approach now.

 

Seekers on the Ridge: Goose Pre-Party & Vendor Market Relocates to Winston-Salem

The Seekers on the Ridge: Goose Pre-Party & Vendor Market is making its way from Asheville to Winston-Salem! The fundraising event will now be held on Friday, October 25th, from 2PM to 6PM at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co., located at 772 N. Trade Street, right before the jam band Goose’s Hurricane Helene Benefit show at LJVM Coliseum. Patrons will experience the creativity of talented artisan vendors and enjoy live music from The Sam Robinson Trio that will deliver a captivating performance blending psychedelic rock, classic funk, electric blues, and jam rock. While savoring delicious comfort food and refreshing brews, guests can enter to win raffle prizes while supporting MANNA Food Bank! Plus, Fiddlin’ Fish is generously donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to the remarkable non-profit dedicated to combating hunger in Western North Carolina. It will not only be a great day out, but also supporting a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the state.

“Along with live music, we are excited to present a curated and diverse market featuring innovative vendors showcasing their unique creations, including many talented artisans from Western North Carolina,” said Lorrie Dixson Griggs, one of the event organizers. “Before Goose’s benefit concert, patrons can kick back and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with dancing, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping. While supporting a fantastic cause, there’s something for everyone to uncover, from hand-crafted pottery and stunning artwork to cool merchandise!”

Participating Vendors Include:

  • HoneyCreek Pottery
  • Drifter Merch
  • Varvel Arts
  • Bout Half Past Dead
  • Reba’s Dancing Dyes
  • Slow Ready Podcast
  • Grateful Fred
  • Pesca Muerta
  • G. Tallent Designs
  • Cool Attire Co.
  • Arete
  • Jennifer Barrineau Art
  • Blaze on Creations
  • Handmade Mama’s Minis
  • Fennario Thunder Provision Co.
  • Soul Shaking Life Shop
  • Blue Ridge Gems

For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.

The Archetypes & Indecision Reunite for a Nostalgic Night of Music in Charleston

Get ready to relive the magic as two beloved bands, Indecision and The Archetypes, take the stage together for a special concert on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Charleston Music Hall. This unforgettable night of live music promises to bring back old favorites and music that shaped a generation! Doors will open at 7:00 PM, with the event starting at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $40 ADV, $45 DOS, and $55 for Balcony Front Row. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday at 10:00 AM via Ticketmaster. This event is for all ages, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the nostalgic energy of these iconic bands.

Charleston’s own Archetypes formed in 1987 on the College of Charleston campus. With electrifying live performances marked by Tommy Dew’s magnetic stage presence and Kevin Wadley’s fierce guitar work, they have thrilled fans across the Southeast over the years. Their music explores themes of sex, drugs, and Southern life. Drawing from influences like R.E.M., Meat Puppets, The Feelies, Minutemen, and the Velvet Underground, the Archetypes blend rock, funk, and improvisational styles reminiscent of the Grateful Dead. Today, they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. 

Indecision, formed in 1984 in Charlottesville, VA, is known for their innovative blend of rock, jazz, blues, and extended jams, complemented by rich and complex lyrics. With a storied history that includes performances at major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lockn’ plus sharing stages with iconic artists like Phish, Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, The Neville Brothers and the Dave Matthews Band, Indecision continues to captivate audiences with their dynamic sound.

For interviews, band information or photos, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about the show, go to www.charlestonmusichall.com/event/indecision-the-archetypes.

 

Georgia vs. Clemson Fan Fest Coming to Atlanta

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a music lover, the Georgia vs. Clemson FanFest 
promises to deliver an incredible experience for everyone. This is a collaborative gathering for college football fans that features live music performances, presentations, talented vendors, comfort foods and specialty spirits from two rival fanbases on Gameday eve.

Fan Fest Event Details:
Date: Friday, August 30th
Time: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Location:
Westside Motor Lounge
725 Echo Street NW Atlanta

Live Music:
4-5:30pm The Pink Stones (from Athens)
6-8pm JUPITER COYOTE
8:30-10pm Dazr (from Clemson)

Click here to purchase tickets or RSVP here.

 

 

Westside Motor Lounge is Atlanta’s hot indoor-outdoor food, beverage and entertainment experience. At just under three acres, the expansive venue houses a full-service restaurant, two bars, a private event space as well as an expansive outdoor courtyard featuring a fully wired stage, beer garden, shuffleboard courts, firepits, tons of seating plus its very own vintage Airstream travel bar and food trailer.

For more information about the event, contact Ben Bounds of Follywood at 864-554-6277.