MANSFIELD, Ohio — “Three nights of good food, great music and a lot of fun begin Thursday evening and continue on Friday and Saturday nights. What a wonderful way to raise money for a great cause — scholarships for the students of North Central State College, said Keith Stoner, director of Marketing and Creative Services at North Central State College.
“Rock-n-Ribs 2015 is coming together nicely. We have a great lineup of local and touring artists and perhaps most importantly, it looks like the weather might cooperate.”
The combination of great barbecue and live music makes North Central State College an entertainment destination every year, and this year they’re celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary.
Rock-n-Ribs kicks off Thursday with music by The Jimmy Warner Band at 5 p.m., followed at 8:30 p.m. by 90’s rock artist Kip Winger Acoustic Show. Those Guys start the night’s entertainment at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by Back on Earth Band at 7 p.m., and then the 80s band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday’s entertainment opens with the DeVault Ridge Band at 5 p.m., followed by the Red Ball Jets at 7 p.m. and Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx at 9:30 p.m.
Rock-n-Ribs, of course, isn’t just about music.
“What’s interesting about this event is the trend over the years that more of our local rib vendors are wanting to be involved with cooking their delicious barbeque,” Stoner said. “We’re thrilled to have so many local rib vendors at our event again this year.”
The lineup includes Porky Chicks, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Bob’s Almost Famous BBQ, Rittman, Ohio; Smokin’ Joe’s Hog Wild BBQ , Mansfield, Ohio; Old Carolina BBQ, Mansfield, Ohio; and Big Pappy’s BBQ, Howard, Ohio.
The gate price is $5 on Thursday and $10 on Friday and Saturday. Proceeds benefit the North Central State College Foundation which provides scholarships to students and funds special College projects.
