Summer outdoor concert to begin

AUGUSTA — The summer outdoor concert and grilling season will get fired up when the 7th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival gets underway with a full weekend of great music and mouthwatering barbecue from June 25-26.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, the annual summer bash at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ continues to grow with a top concert lineup, some of the best rib chefs in the country, a great selection of craft beers, added food attractions and the ability to camp out throughout the weekend.
“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 legendary Jefferson Starship, Kansas, Pure Prairie League, the Steppin’ Stones and Stolen Rhodes are the opening day performers on Saturday, June 25.
Blues Traveler, headed by John Popper, the Outlaws, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle, and the Farmer Phil Band perform on Sunday, June 26.
Barbecue fans will have the opportunity to enjoy great food throughout the weekend from award-winning chefs from around the country who will be competing in a juried rib cook-off.
Two-time defending champion Texas Smoke BBQ of Jefferson Township, NJ, who swept the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” titles in 2014 and 2015, will be back at the smokers, taking on Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ of Mt. Laurel, which won the Weis Markets People’s Choice award last year; Pigtails Barbecue Company (West Salem, Ohio) and Festival newcomer Skin & Bones BBQ team (Arcadia, Florida).
In seeking out the opinions of past attendees, the Festival is expanding their food offerings to include the Empanada Guy’s Food Truck, Crabby’s seafood, Dairy Swirl homemade ice cream, and unique desserts from Zuzu confections.
Beverages include Long Trail Green Blaze IPA and Summer Ale, and Not Your Father’s Root Beer craft beers, Barefoot Wines, Barenjager Honey Bourbon, and Firefly Sweet Tea vodka.
“People are also coming for the communal experience, spending the entire weekend camping out or bringing their RVs,” said Freeman, who noted the Fairgrounds’ excellent camping facilities with electrical hookups and showers are just a short three-minute walk from the festival area. “We’re seeing lots of groups and reunions taking advantage of being able to make this a full weekend experience; plus they receive two bonus concerts.”
Group seating packages are also available and the Miller Mezzanine provides a great VIP experience close to the stage.
For tickets and additional information visit www.rockribsandridges.com.