Destination: Canal Winchester and the city of Canal Winchester will present the ninth annual Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest on July 27 and 28 in historic downtown Canal Winchester.
The air will fill with barbecue wood smoke and the timeless beat of authentic American blues at Ohio’s only Blues & Rib Festival. The two day summer street celebration features live blues music, world-class ribs, a variety of quality non-rib food options, children’s activities, shaded dining areas, and a beer and wine garden.
From solid rockin’ electric blues to traditional acoustic performances, there’s something to satisfy even the most discriminating blues fan with music flowing from two stages throughout the two-day event. Families are welcome and admission is free.
“Some of the country’s best rib vendors will be here, so be sure to make your way downtown to enjoy the great food and great music,” said Mayor Mike Ebert.
Destination: Canal Winchester’s Executive Director Karen Stiles said, “This year marks the strongest blues line-up we’ve ever assembled. On the BBQ side, we’re honored to welcome several rib masters from the national barbeque circuit back to Canal Winchester. They will be competing fiercely against each other for trophies and bragging rights. And if ribs aren’t your thing, there is a solid roster of over 18 other specialty food vendors, including the famous Schmidt’s Sausage truck, to satisfy almost any taste or budget. We did not forget the kids and are very pleased to be able to bring back the popular $1 pony rides, too. Maybe the best part of our event is that there is no charge for getting in to experience some of the finest live blues and barbecue to be found anywhere at any price.”
Officials stated that last year it is estimated more than 40,000 people attended last year’s event.
The festival benefits the community by attracting visitors and by promoting national, regional and local blues performers. The festival site radiates out from the High and Waterloo street intersection (closed to vehicle traffic) in historic downtown Canal Winchester. For GPS/digital mapping users, the address 10 N. High St., Canal Winchester, OH 43110 may be used.
Lawn chairs are recommended due to limited seating. Outside food and beverages are not permitted within festival grounds. Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and other “recreational wheels” are also prohibited. Parking will be available in the areas adjacent to festival grounds with additional handicap parking in designated areas on West Waterloo Street and North High Street.
The performance schedule:
•July 27: Main Stage – 5-6 p.m., The Mitchell Project; 6:30-7:30 p.m., Omar Coleman; 8-9:15 p.m., Ray Fuller & the Bluesrockers; 9:30-11 p.m., Toronzo Cannon. Stradley Place Stage – 5-6 p.m., Tom Carroll & Mike McGannon; 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Lews Brothers; 9-10:30 p.m., Steve Riggs.
•July 28: Main Stage – Noon – 1 p.m., Bad Avenue; 1:30-3 p.m., Guitar Company; 3:30-5 p.m., Laurie Jane & the 45’s; 5:30-7 p.m., Joanna Connor; 7:30-9 p.m., Joe Moss; 9:30-11 p.m., Sean Chambers. Stradley Place Stage – Noon -1:30 p.m., Ben Bachert & Friends; 2-3:30 p.m., Alex Poteet; 4-6 p.m., Chris Yakopcic; 6:30-8:30 p.m., Will Freed; 9-10:30 p.m., Molly Winters.
Visit www.bluesandribfest.com for information.
