Rock, Ribs, and Ridges Festival

A highlight of the 15th annual Rock, Ribs, and Ridges Festival – a weekend of southern/classic rock music and finger-licking barbecue – will be a performance by George Thorogood and the Destroyers on Sunday night.

This year’s line-up of pitmasters includes newcomers Big Bubba Lou’s BBQ (London, ON); Texas Lightning BBQ (Amarillo, TX); local favorite Smokin’ Mo’s Southern BBQ (Sandyston, NJ) and Bruiser’s BBQ (South Hadley, MA).

Chicago BBQ (Burr Ridge, IL) returns to defend its title as the winner of last year’s Optimum People’s Choice Award.

Headlining the bands that will appear Friday evening are Orleans, known for their ‘70s Top 10 hits “Dance with Me” and “Still the One,” and Atlanta Rhythm Section, the chart-topping southern rocks that, over a 50-year span, is known for “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Spooky” and more.

Continuous music Saturday features legendary Hall of Fame rockers Grand Funk Railroad. Others on the Saturday lineup, beginning at 1 pm, include Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle; Black Stone Cherry, a Kentucky band that redefines southern rock; the Matt Coffy Band; and Six Gun Sally, paying homage to the greatest southern and classic rock bands of the ’70s.

Sunday’s festivities conclude with George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Also featured will be The Allman Betts Band, formed by three sons of the original Allman Brothers Band, playing covers of their fathers’ songs along with rocking originals. The Weight Band, led by former The Band guitarist Jim Weider, and singer/songwriter Mattie Schell round out the full day of music.

Hours are 6-10 pm Friday, June 27; 12-9 pm Saturday, June 28; and 12-8 pm Sunday, June 29.