Rocks, Ribs & Ridges to feature performances by Jefferson Starship, Kansas and Blues Traveler
AUGUSTA — From the psychedelic and electric folk music of the legendary Jefferson Starship, the classic American rock band Kansas to the “let’s rock til dawn” blues-rock band Blues Traveler, the 7th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival is going to heat up this summer’s concert season.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, the annual festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta fires up the summer out door concert and grilling season with a full weekend of great music and mouthwatering barbecue from June 25-26, 2016.
“This year’s lineup is our best ever and offers a true festival experience,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman of Promo 1. “It’s the chance to enjoy what music festivals were back in the '60s and '70s — great music from legendary artists in a relaxed setting, great food, camping out and having an awesome time.”
The Festival will pay tribute to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee the late Paul Kantner and the renowned “San Francisco Sound” that changed the course of pop music forever as Jefferson Starship performs the music of and celebrates Jefferson Airplane’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, June 25.
The band, which descended from Jefferson Airplane and performed at Monterey and Woodstock, will play their repertoire of hits spanning all eras of their existence including “Jane,” “Somebody to Love,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” and “Miracles” in honor of Kantner, who died Jan. 28 at age 74.
Classic rock band Kansas (“Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind,” “Point of Know Return”), a staple of classic rock radio for more than four decades, will headline on Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m.
Among the acts joining them will be Pure Prairie League (“Amie”), whose longevity is a testament to the timelessness of their music and what country radio is all about, Stolen Rhodes and The Steppin’ Stones.
Nearly 20 years after scoring the Grammy Award-winning, harmonica-laced breakthrough hit that came to define pop music in the mid-90s, Blues Traveler headed by John Popper continues to electrify fans with their extensive use of segues, multiple song mash-ups and extensive instrumental jams in their live performances. Fan favorites of the Princeton-formed group include “Run-Around,” “Hook” and “But Anyway.”
Blues Traveler headlines the lineup on Sunday, June 26, which also features legendary Southern rock and Festival staples The Outlaws (“There Goes Another Love Song,” “Green Grass and High Tides,” “Ghost Riders of the Sky”); Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle (“Sweet Home Alabama,” “Freebird”, “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “That Smell”); and the Farmer Phil Band.
Barbecue fans will have the opportunity to enjoy great food throughout the weekend from award-winning regional chefs who will be competing in a juried rib cook-off, as well as a selection of craft beers. Defending champion Texas Smoke BBQ of Jefferson Township, NJ swept the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” titles as well as the Weis Markets’ “People’s Choice” and heads the competitive rib teams who will be manning the smokers.
“One of the reasons for our continued success is that we listen to our fan base and strive to meet their needs,” said Freeman. “Our Miller Mezzanine provides a great VIP experience close to the stage. Festival-goers also have the option of camping out throughout the weekend just a short three-minute walk from the festival area at the Fairgrounds. They will also receive exclusive campers-only, after-hours concerts each night.”
For tickets and additional information visit www.rockribsandridges.com.