(Posted Aug. 5, 2019)
Organizers of London’s 12th Annual Rib & Jazz Fest couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun shone down Aug. 2-3 as crowds enjoyed succulent barbecue, loads of live music, and everything from a car show to sidewalk chalk art.
London resident Matt Rees was the first of 11 musical acts to perform during the two-day festival.
(From left) Josh Clifton, Gary Londergan and Roger Rider prepare ribs for Wilson’s Family BBQ. The trio, who hail from Madison and Pike counties, prepared more than 1,000 pounds of ribs over the course of the festival.
Pickerington artist Sheryl Lazenby works on a chalk sidewalk portrait of a French bulldog wearing goggles while riding a motorcycle.
Brothers Carlos Hood and Jason Hood showcase some of the goodies offered at Big Pappy’s BBQ.
Ray Robinson (left) and Sue Hope (right) admire entries in the Rib & Jazz Fest car show, including the red 1941 Chevrolet on the left. Hope and Robinson both live in London, but this is their first time attending the festival. Robinson said he is a bit of a car enthusiast himself and owns a 1986 GT Mustang.
Charlotte West, a band from Belmont University in Nashville, performs an original song, “Off My Mind,” from their upcoming EP. Established two years ago, the band made its debut performance at this year’s Rib & Jazz Fest. They describe their music as southern rock and played a mix of original music and classic covers, including “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and “Hotel California” by the Eagles.
Carolyn Greenan, president of the Columbus Blues Alliance, dances to Old School Union’s cover of “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. It was Greenan’s first time seeing Old School Union perform live, but as a long-time blues fan and president of the alliance, she says it’s her job to know and support the bands. The Columbus Blues Alliance turns 30 years old this October.
Sisters Mackenzie Moore (left) and Sofia Smith (right) attended the London Rib & Jazz Fest as representatives of the London Strawberry Festival. They were named queen and second attendant, respectively, in the Junior Miss portion of this year’s London Strawberry Festival queen pageant, which took place in June. Smith says she tried out for the pageant to support her community and have fun. Moore says she hopes her participation in the community will help her get into a good college. Both girls are entering seventh grade this fall.
