Country, Southern, Classic rock on menu at festival

AUGUSTA — “A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll” describes the music mix at this year’s Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, Rock, Ribs & Ridges has featured a “Who’s Who” in Southern Rock since its inception nine years ago. This year’s festival, June 23-24, 2018, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, combines a large dose of returning fan favorites with country music superstar Travis Tritt and classic rock heroes Foghat.
The two-day summer bash offers two days of great music and mouthwatering BBQ as legendary artists and top competitive rib teams from around the country heat up this summer’s outdoor concert season.
Travis Tritt headlines the music lineup on Sunday, June 24. He has been a mainstay of country music for more than 25 years and continues to display strong sales, sold-out shows and stays true and relevant to country music and Southern rock fans across the globe. A two-time Grammy winner and three-time CMA Award winner, Tritt (“Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” “Foolish Pride,” “Best of Intentions,” “Here’s a Quarter Call Someone Who Cares’) has had seven albums certified platinum or higher and has charted more than 40 times on the Hot Country Songs charts including five number one songs.
His conspicuous lack of a cowboy hat and a musical assertiveness further set him apart.
So does his force in sports appearances, having performed at the 1996 Olympics, two Super Bowls, a World Series game, the opening of the Georgia Dome, the final Braves game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, and the 2013 NCAA men’s basketball championship.
Joining Tritt on Sunday are Poco (“Crazy Love”), who helped define the sound of country-rock; and The Weight Band (“The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”), who were either actual members in The Band, or are directly and deeply connected to their legacy, and the Farmer Phil Band.
Classic blues rock veterans Foghat will take fans on a “Slow Ride” on Saturday, June 23. Led by drummer and founding member Roger Earl, their high-energy mix of rock, blues and boogie has been rocking fans for more than 40 years.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle (“Sweet Home Alabama,” “Freebird”, “Gimme Three Steps”), The Outlaws (“There Goes Another Love Song,” “Green Grass & High Tides,” “Ghost Riders of the Sky”), festival favorite and rising star Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones and newcomer Matt Coffy and his “rock ‘til you drop” attitude join Foghat in getting the weekend off to a rousing start on its opening day.
“I think one of the reasons the festival continues to grow and be successful is that we actively engage our attendees,” said Festival Producer Howard Freeman of Promo1. “We did a survey and people said they’d like to see more country this year. So we’ll open with a full day of Southern rock favorites headed by The Outlaws and Artimus Pyle on Saturday then offer a great mix with Travis Tritt, who is an absolute superstar, and pioneers such as Poco and the legendary performers from The Band, on Sunday.”
Unlike most rib competitions, Rock, Ribs & Ridges attendees have the rare opportunity to enjoy the great barbecue served up by the five rib chefs who will be competing in a juried rib cook-off for “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce.” They are engaged further as they can vote for their favorite “ribber” through the Weis Markets People’s Choice award.
“We’re proud of the festival atmosphere we’ve created,” said Freeman. “It’s more than the great music, great food and craft beers on tap. We have VIP shaded seating, meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists, group table seating in our Miller Mezzanine, and the ability to camp out or stay on site in your RV with exclusive bonus concerts. It’s a true experience.”
For tickets and additional information visit www.rockribsandridges.com.