Friday, May 9, 2014

Breasts and brews are the focus of two local weekend festivals

Craft beer and breast cancer are the focus of two very different Charlotte festivals this weekend. Breast Fest takes place Friday and Saturday at Tremont and features classic hardcore acts like Cro-Mags, Earth Crisis, and Shai Hulud. Cro-Mags headline Friday with Mongoloids, Take Offense, Fire & Ice, and others. Vegan straight-edge forerunners Earth Crisis head up Saturday's 14 band bill with Cruel Hand, The Banner, Stigmata, Shai Hulud, Bitter End and others.

Two day passes are $50. Tickets for Saturday only are $30. Shows start around noon each day. Check www.tremontmusichall.com for full lineup and details.

The Fourth Annual NC Brewers and Music Fest takes place Friday and Saturday at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville with craft beer from over 30 breweries as well as live music. Michigan's Greensky Bluegrass (pictured), Western NC's Big Daddy Love, and returning favorite Sol Driven Train head up an eclectic roots, soul, and Americana bill that also includes soul singer Jesse Dee, Spirit Family Reunion, and the Jon Stickley Trio.

Charleston-based Grateful Dead tribute the Reckoning and Hit or Miss both return to get the party started Friday evening.

Camping is actually open all weekend. Saturday and Sunday start with a.m. yoga. The music kicks off at 12:15 p.m. Saturday with the beer tasting following at 12:45 p.m.

NoDa brewing, Heist, Triple C, Four Friends, and Birdsong are among the local breweries represented.

Ticket prices range from $7 for kids and $15 for designated drivers to $60 for RV campers. Music only admission is $22. Tickets are available here.