Fri 5/23-Mon 5/26
We know most people don’t go to the annual Great American Rib Cook-Off looking to hear exciting original talent. It’s all about the food and main stage headliners, which this year include classic punk-rocker Joan Jett, younger pop punk band Taking Back Sunday, and country group Blackberry Smoke. Cover bands and cheesy modern country acts often rule the side stages.
But the event is working to earn its expanded name “Great American Cook-Off and Music Festival.” And if you know where to look, you can check out some gifted area performers.
A good place to start is the Acoustic Dining Tent, where local nonprofit Roots of American Music will be hosting some great local acts, including three strong female singer/songwriters Diana Chittester, Stefani Reeder and Jordan Genovese, bluesman Austin Walkin’ Cane Charanghat, rocker Callie Shae Sullivan, and gypsy jazz group Hot Djang, as well as many of the musicians who are part of ROAR’s regular programming in local schools.
There are some regional acts worth seeing on the “Ones to Watch” Stage too, though you’ll have to work around the cover bands. Genovese will perform with her full band. Stoner rockers Ohio Sky will offer a dose of spacey heaviness and the Roberto Ocasio Student Jazz Band will help keep the legacy of this late Cleveland Latin Jazz star alive.
Also worth checking out are a couple of younger original acts. There’s the straightahead rock and roll of local newcomers Ray Flanagan and the Authorities, who have a debut album in the pipeline. And now Nashville-based Cleveland rocker Christopher Wild (pictured) has a brand new album out that showcases his manic, hard-rocking intensity.
There are also a couple of out-of-town bands that sound like they might be interesting: Connecticut-based Steve Broderick & the 100 Watt Suns (Broderick was part of the live Trans-Siberian Orchestra show for a decade) and Indianapolis’ Borrow Tomorrow.
The Great American Rib Cookoff and Music festival runs from noon-11 pm Friday-Sunday and noon-8 pm on Memorial Day at the Jacobs Pavilion/Nautica complex. Go here for a full schedule and ticket information.