What goes great with barbeque? That’s right—the Blues. Legendary bluesman Willie King will perform April 26 in Athens at the Southern Crossroads’ third annual Best Buckin’ Barbeque Cook-off.

Imagine the smells of barbeque on grill after grill and the deeply moving rifts of a guitar pleading for mercy as a harmonica joins in the sad chorus echoing, “I am the Blues.” Welcome to the world of barbeque and blues in Athens.

Mississippi may have had the blues first, but the blues didn’t stop at the Alabama line. “We are proud to bring the Blues to the barbeque cook-off, it’s a perfect combination,” said Shaun Gonzales, president of Southern Crossroads. “We have already exceeded the number of cookers from previous years, and look forward to folks having a good time.”

Willie King is an Alabama treasure. Raised by sharecropper grandparents, King spent a lifetime living and expressing his art through the Blues. He is not only a master of this American art form, but also believes in giving back.

“Mr. King was very happy to play at the barbeque this year especially when he learned that proceeds benefit the Athens’ Boys and Girl’s Club,” said Rick Asherson, manager and band member of Willie King.

King works with his organization, the Rural Members and the Alabama Blues Project, and visits Boys and Girls Clubs across Alabama educating them on the musical art form known as the Blues.

Willie King was also selected citizen of the year in Aliceville, because of his community involvement. Critics worldwide acclaimed his debut album, “Freedom Creek,” and he received awards from Living Blues Magazine for Best Male Blues Artist in 2001, Best Blues Album in 2000 and Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2000.

Local talent will also be performing throughout the event. Entertainers include the Valley Cats, Atomic Noise, and the Athens High School Jazz Band. Local musician Barry Kay will perform for the cookers on Friday evening. For an entertainment schedule, visit www.bestbuckinbbq.org. Other activities include arts and crafts, children’s activities, and lawnmower races that evening.

Last fall, the Best Buckin’ Barbeque became sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and was recently named a state championship by Gov. Bob Riley. With the addition of the blues, this is a cook-off with all the trimmings.

Southern Crossroads is a non-profit organization, comprised of good hearted, hard working local citizens dedicated to hosting outstanding community events in support of local causes. In 2008, proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Limestone County.