Petersburg music venue awakens after 20 years: 'Eggs & Kegs' food drive event, four bands

PETERSBURG — A community musical event "Eggs & Kegs" is rolling into Old Towne this Saturday. After 20 years, the old Appomattox Iron Works will once again be a destination for fun entertainment.

"The venue is still a work in progress, but it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of great food, local music, and delicious beer," said Richard Cuthbert, Main Street Petersburg Board Member.

Local bands Bass Thumb, Gold Station Melody, Tiara and Andrew, and Campbell’s Bridge will perform.

Bass Thumb is a trio that plays cowpunk, a blend of punk and classic country. Attendees may recognize the band's lead singer and guitarist Ernie LaBrecque, chef and owner of Beaunuts nearby.

Other band members include bass player and backup vocalist Todd Tipton [also of Campbell's Bridge], and drummer Barry Roebuck.

Gold Station Melody plays groovy, rock 'n' roll, jammin' tunes, and Campbell’s Bridge bills itself as “real country." The Brunswick County-based acoustic pop duo Tiara and Andrew, who have been jamming in the area for over nine years, will also be headlining the event.

"Bring a chair, but leave room for dancing," said committee member Denise Tipton of Old Towne Studio7.

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Historic Appomattox Iron Works

The venue is a raw industrial space surrounded by real remnants of the past. The 500-pound crushing ball still hangs from the crushing tower and the original smelting chimney looms over the historic foundry.

"It’s all part of what makes Old Towne a uniquely cool place," Cuthbert said.

Food will be available for purchase prepared by Ta Bon Fry and Southern Eats, Beaunuts, and Comeback Burger. Attendees age 21 and up, may purchase cold beer on tap.

Haley's Honey Meadery will be present selling mead, shirts and naturally crafted ale horns.

The inaugural event is sponsored by Old Towne Builders and Main Street Petersburg, a nonprofit formed to promote economic development.

"This is the first of many events to be held at this beautiful, historic, outdoor location," said committee member Dirty Dan of Dirty Dan's Hippie Haven.

All are welcome to enjoy "Eggs & Kegs" on Saturday, April 16 from 2 - 8 p.m. Local business owners are rolling up their sleeves to help make this fun event happen.

Admission to the event will benefit the Hope Center's food pantry. Volunteers will be at the gate to collect one or more of the following items which are especially needed at this time: pasta sauces, boxes of cereal, oatmeal, and spaghetti as well as jelly, jams and preserves.

"The Hope Center continues to be humbled by and grateful for all the support from the community," said Scott Fisher, Downtown Churches United/The Hope Center Executive Director.

The entrance to the event is between Buttery Baking House at 28 W. Old Street and Penniston's Alley Antiques and Collectibles at 102 W. Old. The gate located at the entrance to Penniston Alley is across the street from Maria's Old Town 21 restaurant.

"This will make for a great afternoon to soak up the cool Old Towne vibes," Cuthbert said. "Hopefully, this is just the start of more good times at the Iron Works this year."

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— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter, @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg outdoor music venue awakens: Four bands play in Old Towne