When a barbecue joint throws a party, you know it’s going to be good. But when that joint is Home Team BBQ, and the occasion is its 20th anniversary, you’re in for something truly special. Personally, I think what makes this celebration stand out isn’t just the milestone—it’s the way it’s being marked. Founders Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan, whose paths serendipitously crossed at a Widespread Panic concert in 2002, are bringing together a musical community that feels like a family reunion. And let’s be honest, what’s more Southern than barbecue and music?
A Musical Homecoming
The three-day, two-location event in Charleston, SC, is more than just a concert series—it’s a testament to the enduring connections forged through music and food. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends local talent with legends from the Widespread Panic orbit. Night one kicks off with Guilt Ridden Troubadour and Mac Leaphart, both artists whose roots are deeply embedded in the South Carolina soil. But it’s night two that really grabs my attention. Bloodkin, longtime associates of Widespread Panic, will share the stage with Shonuff, a soul/funk act that promises to bring the courtyard to life.
One thing that immediately stands out is the collaboration between artists like Williams Tonks and Sunny Ortiz, who will join Bloodkin during their set. Tonks, a dobro player from Athens, GA, and Ortiz, a Widespread Panic percussionist, bring a layer of musical depth that’s hard to ignore. If you take a step back and think about it, these collaborations aren’t just performances—they’re a celebration of shared history and mutual respect.
Supergroups and Surprises
The final day at The Refinery is where things get really interesting. Acts like Paul Cauthen and the SCAM Allstars are more than just names on a lineup—they’re veritable supergroups. The SCAM Allstars, in particular, are a who’s who of the Widespread Panic extended family, with special guests like Jerry Joseph and Sunny Ortiz adding to the star power. What many people don’t realize is that these supergroups aren’t just thrown together for the occasion; they’re a reflection of the tight-knit community that’s formed around the band over decades.
The WERI Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreation Industry, another supergroup featuring Ortiz, Ben Reynolds, William Tonks, and Rob Keller, is a perfect example of this. These aren’t just musicians—they’re storytellers, each bringing their own chapter to the larger narrative of Southern music.
A Deeper Connection
What this really suggests is that Home Team BBQ’s anniversary isn’t just about food or music—it’s about community. Siegel and Garrigan’s journey from a Widespread Panic concert to building a beloved barbecue empire is a story of passion and perseverance. But it’s also a reminder of how music and food can bring people together in ways that transcend time and place.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the timing of this celebration. It coincides with the annual Michael Houser tribute run, honoring the late Widespread Panic guitarist who passed away in 2002. Ortiz’s recent performance in Chattanooga, TN, as part of this tribute, adds a layer of poignancy to the anniversary festivities. It’s a reminder that even as we celebrate milestones, we carry the legacy of those who came before us.
Looking Ahead
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what the next 20 years will hold for Home Team BBQ. Will there be more collaborations like this? Will the musical community continue to grow and evolve? From my perspective, the answer is a resounding yes. What started as a chance meeting at a concert has blossomed into something much bigger—a cultural hub where food, music, and community intersect.
This raises a deeper question: How do we preserve these connections in an increasingly fragmented world? Home Team BBQ’s anniversary celebration offers a blueprint. By honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking to the future, they’ve created something that feels both timeless and relevant.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this upcoming celebration, I’m struck by its simplicity and its depth. It’s a barbecue joint’s birthday party, sure, but it’s also a love letter to the music, the people, and the stories that have shaped it. In my opinion, that’s what makes it so special. It’s not just an event—it’s an experience, a reminder of the power of community and the enduring bonds that music and food can create.
So, if you’re in Charleston this September, do yourself a favor and join the party. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a full heart, and maybe even a few new friends. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about?
