The Waterfall Stage features many local musicians each year during the N.C. State Fair, from The Embers to Paige King Johnson. This year, one local group is making their debut on the stage, bringing their eclectic mix of country, rock and pop music.
Ryan Kennemur, lead guitar and vocalist for Dragmatic, started playing music in college. “I’ve always had a love for music,” he said. “I have played, and continue to play, many solo shows, but I always wanted a group of friends to play music with, which was where the idea of Dragmatic began.” In 2008, the band was officially established, originally as an alt-country band. Through the years, it has transitioned to feature country, rock, and pop music. “All of us have musical heroes that factor into our sounds, including The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Whiskey Town,” Ryan said. “We always aim to bring a high energy show that appeals to all age groups.” Today, Dragmatic consists of four band members: (1) Ryan Kennemur, (2) Caleb Rose, (3) Jimmy Thompson, and (4) Chris Hibbard.
Although the group has played on many stages throughout the state, they have never performed at the N.C. State Fair. “Amy Cox, senior vice president of Deep South Entertainment, has invested in my career for many years and become a good friend,” Ryan said. “On Friday, Sept. 26th, she came to watch our band’s performance in Raleigh. That following Monday, I got a text from her offering a slot on the Waterfall Stage for our band!” For many musicians, especially those who have grown up attending the N.C. State Fair like Ryan, the Waterfall Stage is an iconic, bucket-list destination. “It’s a dream come true for our band to play on the Waterfall Stage,” said Ryan. “I’ve had many friends play on that stage who said they loved it, and I grew up watching some of my favorite artists on that stage. We are thrilled to be a small part of the magic at the fair.”
On Friday, Oct. 24th, Dragmatic will bring the energy to the Waterfall Stage at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Although they sometimes play cover songs to generate audience engagement, they mostly play original songs written by Ryan and/or Caleb. Two of their most popular songs are Home Tonight, which Ryan wrote for his wife, and I Hate the Waiting. “Our songs could often be described as catchy, fun and energetic,” Ryan said. “Music is a gift and it should be fun for audiences to hear. We love not only bringing the energy to the stage, but the friendship and community that binds us all together.” Ryan and his band would love for you to engage with their performances by clapping, singing, and dancing along, or even simply sitting with friends and family to enjoy the peace and excitement of the tunes at the fairgrounds. “If one person hears our music and likes it then I walk away happy,” Ryan said. “Music is about connection, so we hope that people will take the time to connect with us and our music this year at the fair.”
Dragmatic will have merch available at both their shows, including their very first album on CD and vinyl! “I have always dreamed of having a physical album, not only to sell to customers, but to give my friends and my mom,” Ryan said. “The fact that it’s finally come to fruition is incredible and I can’t wait to share it with audiences at the fair.” All proceeds from merchandise sales will go towards helping Ryan and his band create their second physical album, which is currently in the works.
When they are not performing, you can find Ryan and his friends enjoying all their favorite fair foods, rides, and entertainment acts. In fact, Ryan is looking forward to devouring his favorite fair food this year, a cinnamon & sugar elephant ear. “I know it sounds like a very basic fair food, but it always takes me back to my childhood years at the fair,” he said. “Nothing beats the fried, sugary flavor of an elephant ear being shared with friends and family.” Be sure to catch one of Dragmatic’s Waterfall Stage performances this year at the fair on Oct. 24th!
