If you knew Joe Pond, you loved him. He was an easy guy to admire, his generosity as visible as his western snap-button shirt, reading glasses and trademark cigar. He could often be found walking the halls of A.B. Beverage Co. Where his dry wit and grizzly bear “hello” brought smiles to the faces of his staff.

Papa Joe loved life his family, his community, down home barbeque cookin’ and feel-good bluegrass music. To honor Papa Joe’s legacy and raise money for the community he supported for so long, his family created banjo-b-que.

Combining the things papa joe loved most - great music, delicious food and a fun atmosphere for the entire family, Banjo-B-Que's inaugural festival was a great achievement and this year's event is sure to build on that success.

All proceeds raised at Banjo-B-Que benefit the Joseph R. Pond Memorial Foundation.  Joe's wife Elizabeth F. “Betty” Pond manages the endowment with the CSRA Community Foundation.  Her goal is to help fund charitable organizations in the CSRA with a special focus on cancer related organizations.

Papa Joe fought the good fight against cancer for seven years and was a great inspiration to us all sharing his strength, generous spirit and love for life until the end.