Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest

The air will once again fill with barbecue wood smoke and the timeless beat of authentic American blues music at the eighth annual Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest

The event, presented by Destination: Canal Winchester and the city of Canal Winchester, will be held on July 28 and 29 in historic downtown Canal Winchester. The two day summer street celebration features live blues music, world-class ribs, a variety of quality non-rib food options, children’s activities, fan-cooled dining areas, and a beer and wine garden.

From solid rockin’ electric blues to traditional acoustic performances, there’s something sure to satisfy even the most discriminating blues fan continuously flowing from two stages throughout the event. Stage headliners on July 28 include the three-time BMA nominee Albert Castiglia.

Families are welcome and admission is free.

“Some of the best ribbers in the country will be here to serve their finest, so be sure to make your way downtown to enjoy great food and listen to some of the finest blues performers anywhere,” said Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert.

Last year, nearly 40,000 people attended the festival.

“This year marks the strongest blues line-up we’ve ever assembled,” said Destination: Canal Winchester’s Executive Director Karen Stiles. “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 pleased to bring back the popular $1 pony rides. 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.”

City officials said 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 the festival grounds. Skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, 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.

For information, visit www.bluesandribfest.com where you may also view the complete musical performance schedule.

Music performance line-up
July 28
Main Stage
•5-6 p.m. – Long Tall Deb Featuring Colin John
•6:30-7:30 – Jimmy Nick and Don’t Tell Mamma
•8-9:15 p.m. – Willie Phoenix
•9:30-11 p.m. – Albert Castiglia

Stradley Place Stage
•5-6 p.m. – Chris Sutton
•6:15-7:15 p.m. – Micah Kesselring
•7:30-8:45 p.m. – Bart Jenkins
•9-10:30 p.m. – Molly Winters

July 29
Main Stage
•Noon – 1 p.m. – Bad Avenue
•1:30-3 p.m. – Red Oakley
•3:30-5 p.m. – Tommy Z
•5:30-7 p.m. – Joanna Connor
•7:30-9 p.m. – Eric Steckel
•9:30-11 p.m. – Jane Lee Hooker

Stradley Place Stage
•Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Alex Poteet
•1:45-3 p.m. – Gregg Clark and James Higgens
•3:15-5 p.m. – Innervision
•5:15-6:45 p.m. – Ben Bachert
•7-8:30 p.m. – Luther Trammell
•9-10:30 p.m. – Steve Riggs