We will be holding the 23^rd (And Last) Annual Lea Brothers Band Western Classic & Barbecue at Camp Yonahnoka in Linville, NC on September 28, 2013. Our featured entertainment will be the renowned Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, making a repeat performance of their 2005 appearance, and Shawn Camp, a rootsy yet modern country singer and songwriter.  Hard to believe it was that long ago the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band made Music on the Mountains with Mr. Bojangles, House at Pooh Corner, Fire in the Sky and, our theme song, Partners Brothers & Friends. If you were there in 2005, you know what a blast it was!

This will be our final Western Classic, so we hope everyone can make it out to this amazing event! Everything has to come to an end sometime!  So, after a tremendous run, with well over $1.3 million net raised for research – research that has had great results – we think the timing is right.

So many people all across North Carolina and beyond have done so much to help us raise this astounding sum.  Hard to believe our original goal was to raise $10,000, and you've helped us raise 130 times that much.  Our original idea was to have a great crowd have a great time with great music for a great cause.  In 2013, we'll also make it a great celebration of great work by many great folks – researchers, volunteers and donors.  You won't want to miss it!  And we hope you'll be there, so we can thank you in person.

To be sure, we intend to go out with quite a show.  Pull out all the stops (as if we ever had any stops).  We hope you will be there to help us send this great tradition into the memory books.  Stay tuned for more details!

Date and Time: September 28, 2013. Doors Open at 2pm

Location: The beautiful Camp Yonahnoka in Linville, NC

Accommodations:

For overnight accommodations on Saturday Sept. 28th please contact the Best Western- Banner Elk, the official hotel for the 2013 Western Classic, at 828-898-4571.

When calling to make reservations, please mention the Foundation Fighting Blindness to receive the discounted rates.

For other accommodation options please visit www.westernclassic.org.

Music: Renowned Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, making a repeat performance of their 2005 appearance, and Shawn Camp- a bold singer and multi-instrumentalist.

Price includes: All the music, all the delicious barbecue and all kinds of fixin’s, all the adult beverages you can consume and remain upright (except of course for you designated drivers who can enjoy the best sweet tea this side of the Blue Ridge Parkway.)

Please contact Tessa Salottolo for any additional information at (919) 781-8014 or at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .