MANSFIELD, Ohio–The 30th annual Rock-n-Ribs North Central State College fundraiser is coming to the campus July 9-11 with a fresh slate of headliners. This year’s feature performers will be Kip Winger Acoustic Show, The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson, and Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx.
“Over the years the event has grown,” noted Mary Rodriguez, coordinator of alumni and business relations at North Central State College (NCSC), ”We’ve gone from having a flatbed truck as our stage to having a permanent stage with professional sound and lighting. We’ve gone from having a few hundred guests to thousands.
“And even though we’ve grown, our focus has always been about our students, our college, and our community.”
College Foundation Activities Vice President Rick Ruehle announced the event’s entertainment line-up.
Rock-n-Ribs kicks off Thursday, July 9 with entertainment by The Jimmy Warner Band, and later that evening, 90’s rock artist Kip Winger Acoustic Show will perform. Those Guys start the night’s entertainment on July 10, followed by the local Back on Earth Band, and then the 80s band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson round out that evening. On Saturday, July 11, a local band that’s yet to be determined will take the stage, followed by the Red Ball Jets. Closing out the event is Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx.
Rock-n-Ribs, of course, isn’t just about music. Vendors include Smokin’ Joes HOG WILD Barbecue from Mansfield. Texas Pit Barbecue, Texas; Porky Chicks BBQ, Arkansas; and Bob’s Almost Famous Barbecue, Rittman, Ohio.
Five local vendors may also be at the event: Throwin Smoke BBQ, Pappy’s Barbecue, Bogey’s Smokin’ Barbecue, Squeals on Wheels, and Mixblues. There will also be drinks, French fries, fried vegetables, fish, roasted almonds and more..
“Also this year,” said Ruehle, “the Veterans Administration will be returning to focus on their Welcome Home Johnny and Jane Project. This program reaches out to our military service men and women and their families.”
Director of Marketing Keith Stoner pointed out that the event is the largest fundraiser for the NCSC Foundation. Proceeds from this fundraising event benefit the North Central State College Foundation which provides scholarships to students and funds special college projects.
The gate will open July 9-11 at 5 p.m. and admittance is $5 all night on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the gate price is $10. Parking is free.
For additional information, got to the Rock-n-Ribs 2015 website at www.ncstatecollege.edu and follow us on Facebook at “Rock-n-Ribs – Mansfield, Ohio.”
Rock-n-Ribs top level Emerald Club investors Cleveland Financial Group – Chuck Hahn, The Russell and Mary Gimbel Foundation, Gorman Rupp, Jay Industries, Milliron Industries, Phillips Manufacturing and Tower Company, PR Machine Works, Richland Bank, and Taylor Metal Products.
