NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Following its sold-out “Sweet 16” celebration and the announcement of over $12 million in direct grants to families battling pediatric cancer and hospital programs nationwide, Hogs for the Cause recently revealed the music lineup for its 17th annual fundraising event, which will take place April 4–5, 2025.
The 2025 event at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds will be headlined by Charley Crockett, who spent most of the year at the top of the Americana Albums chart and was hailed as a “must-see live performer” by Rolling Stone and a “force to be reckoned with” by CMT; the versatile singer/songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr., who was a Country Music Awards (CMA) semi-finalist for Album of the Year; and Zach Top, a CMA finalist for Newcomer of the Year and described by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now.” Other notable performers include breakthrough singer, songwriter and musician Willow Avalon, who is setting out on her first-ever headline tour in 2025; JD McPherson, who brings a deep affinity for foundational rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and R&B; and Eddie 9V, sharing his fresh, fiery spin on Southern soul, blues, rock and funk. Nearly two dozen artists will perform at this year’s festival, joining more than 90 barbecue teams serving mouth-watering BBQ as they compete for the title of Grand Champion.
Two-day tickets, including “Boss Hog” VIP and “Goin’ Ham” Super VIP options, are now available online at HogsFest.org.
“Every year, we strive to bring our fans the best music from around the country, and 2025 is no exception,” said Becker Hall, co-founder and CEO of Hogs for the Cause, in a release about the lineup. “From Charley Crockett’s electric live performances and Stephen Wilson, Jr.’s soulful storytelling to meteoric rising stars like Zach Top, this lineup reflects the heart and soul of Hogs for the Cause – community, creativity, and celebration. With many of these artists debuting new music or making waves on tour, we’re thrilled to present an event where their talent can shine while we rally together to support families in need.”
HOGS FOR THE CAUSE 2025 MUSIC LINEUP
· Charley Crockett
· Stephen Wilson, Jr.
· Zach Top
· Willow Avalon
· JD McPherson
· Eddie 9V
· The Thing
· Giovannie & The Hired Guns
· Clay Street Unit
· The Droptines
· Britti
· Billy Allen and The Pollies
· John Hollier
· Vandoliers
· The Rumble
· Telescreens
· Lola Kirke
· Nether Hour
· River Eckert
· Hotel Burgundy
“We talk a lot about where we have come from over the years—our humble beginnings at The Fly with just one pig on a pit and $7,500 raised,”said Rene Louapre, co-founder and COO of Hogs. “What our teams, volunteers and attendees have done for Hogs for the Cause is nothing short of outstanding. To continue to grow and provide an amazing experience and more flexibility, we have incorporated credit cards and Apple/Google Pay into our payment options this year. It’s looking to be another record-breaker for everyone.”
The 2025 event sponsors include Children’s Hospital New Orleans LCMC Health, Luzianne Tea, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Miller High Life, Irpino Avin Hawkins Law Firm, Uniti, and Phelps.
