The 41st annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse, featuring the largest whole hog cook-off in the world, will take plan on May 6-7, 2022. The BBQ Fest will be in full effect this year after last year’s scaled down event that drew over 40,000 people to downtown Kinston.

“The BBQ Fest on the Neuse and WRNS are proud to announce that Nashville recording artist Niko Moon will be performing in downtown Kinston Friday night May 6th headlining the BBQ Fest on the Neuse Kick-off Concert,” said Jason Bryant, with Dick Broadcasting.

Niko Moon is a country singer signed to Sony Music Nashville/RCA Nashville. Moon’s hits include “Good Time” which has more than  46,000,000 impressions online and all his songs can be heard on WRNS including “No Sad Songs” and “Paradise to Me”. Moon has also written songs for Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and Morgan Wallen. 

“The BBQ Fest and us here at Dick Broadcasting are excited to be able to bring a nationally known artist to perform in downtown Kinston,” said Bryant. “WRNS continues to support local events and bring big time artists to the listeners in Eastern NC.”

Moon’s early success included writing the songs “Heavy is the Head”, “Homegrown”, “Beautiful Drug”, “Keep Me In Mind”, and “Loving You Easy” for the Zac Brown Band.

“Having an artist of this talent level will bring more people to downtown Kinston for the BBQ Fest,” said Bryant. 

Moon also co-produced two Zac Brown Band albums including Jekyl and Hyde and Welcome Home. He also co-wrote the song “Back To Life” for Rascal Flatts along with Cary Barlowe, Shay Mooney, and Fred Wilhelm. 

“Stay tuned to WRNS for more announcements about the BBQ Fest and the bands that will be performing this year,” said Bryant.

BBQ Fest on the Neuse vendors and entertainment will be open to the general public on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm and on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission to the Niko Moon performance, and the BBQ Festival on the Neuse, is free.