Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribs Music Fest

BRADENTON – Don’t miss the three-day Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribs Music Fest this weekend Oct. 9-11 at the McKechnie Field in Downtown Bradenton, 1611 9th St W. This year’s headlines include:

• Joe, four-time Grammy nominated R&B and Soul Singer and songwriter

• Biscuit Miller, 2012 Blues Music Award Winner for Bassist of the year

• Eric Darius, Smooth Jazz sensation former #1 on Billboard Jazz Charts

• Country Music Superstar John Michael Montgomery

Other bands performing at this year’s festival include the Lauren Mitchell Band, Billy Rice, The Mitch Clark Band, Jah Movement, Boss Hawg Band, NuJazz, and DemiNova. Also, don’t miss the opening night fireworks show by Zambelli. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Fri., Oct. 9.

Rhythm & Ribfest is proud to announce that for the past six years they have consistently delivered increases in attendance due in part to the great diversity of top musical entertainment that graces the stage each year along with its incredible food, and great location. More than 15,000 music and food lovers from all over Florida, the United States, Canada and Germany attended the 2014 three-day festival.

This is the ninth year of Rhythm & Ribfest and they’re hitting their stride. The fest has established a great relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates (McKechine Field) and the city of Bradenton, which has allowed them for the first time ever to offer FREE ADMISSION!

They are on pace to become West Central Florida’s best and most anticipated event of the year that has something for everyone to enjoy. Award winning Grilling Teams from across the nation boasting titles and awards such as “Greatest Ribs in America,” “Golden Ribs Award,” “Best Sauce in the Nation” and numerous “People’s Choice Awards” will have their BBQ Pits “smokin’” and are ready to defend their titles.

Featured at this year’s event will be the Carolina Rib King of South Carolina who recently won first place on the TLC’s extremely popular show BBQ Pitmasters. Other rib teams participating this year includes event sponsors Sonny’s Barbecue, Johnson’s Barbecue (Virginia), Camp 31 BBQ (Alabama), Big Boned BBQ (Ohio), Grill Masters (Atlanta), J&J BBQ and T&L BBQ (Bradenton).

Visit www.gulfcoastribfest.com for details on festival hours, entertainment schedule, etc.

“A Party with a Purpose” – The 9th Annual Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribs Music Fest is a major annual fundraising event and ALL proceeds benefit United Community Centers, Inc. Donations at the event are welcomed.

UCC has provided educational, social and recreational programs to thousands of low income, at-risk youth throughout Manatee County since its inception in 1937. The community centers located throughout Manatee County have helped disadvantaged youth find healthy solutions to the problems of poverty, drugs, crime, teen pregnancy and low self-esteem.

United Community Centers, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and all or a portion of contributions are tax-deductible.