Destination: Canal Winchester and the city of Canal Winchester will host the seventh annual Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest on July 29 and 30 in historic downtown Canal Winchester.
The event features continuous 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 rockin’ electric blues to traditional acoustic performances, there’s something to satisfy the most discriminating blues fan flowing from two stages throughout the two-day event. Families are welcome and admission is free.
Stage headliners on July 29 include Harper & Midwest Kind featuring the artist Peter D. Harper. Harper has received over 14 Blues awards including a Gold Record. On July 30 is the six string powerhouse Scott Holt. On the solo/duo stage, the sounds of Chris Sutton and Alex Poteet can be enjoyed, just to name a few.
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 against each other for trophies and bragging rights. And if ribs aren’t your thing, there is a solid roster of over 20 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 all this is there is no charge for getting in to experience some of the finest live blues and barbecue to be found anywhere at any price.”
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 streets 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, roller blades, scooters, and other recreational wheels are 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.
Visit www.bluesandribfest.com for information.
The schedule of blues entertainment is as follows:
•July 29: Main Stage – 5-6 p.m., Deuce ‘n a Quarter; 6:30-7:30 p.m., Eliza Neals; 8-9:15 p.m., Albert Castiglia; 9:30-11 p.m., Harper and the Midwest Kind; Stradley Place Stage – 5-6 p.m., Lews Brothers; 6:15-7:15 p.m., Molly Winters; 7:30-8:45 p.m., Izzy and Chris; and 9-10:30 p.m., Chris Sutton;
•July 30: Main Stage – noon to 1 p.m., The Mitchell Project; 1:30-3 p.m., Frank Harrison Group; 3:30-5 p.m., Billy the Kid and The Regulators; 5:30-7 p.m., Skyla Burrell; 7:30-9 p.m., Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers; 9:30-11 p.m., Scott Holt; Stradley Place Stage – noon to 1:30 p.m., Ben Bachert; 1:45-3 p.m., Steve Riggs; 3:15-5 p.m., Jimmy Rogers; 5:15-6:45 p.m., Gregg Clark with special guest Long Tall Deb; 7-8:30 p.m., Colin John; and 9-10:30 p.m., Alex Poteet.
