16th Annual Ribs ‘n’ Soul Returns to Hart Plaza with a New Name

“Ribs and R&B Jazz Fest” On The Riverfront In Downtown Detroit Aug. 5-7

The festival will be filmed all three days for its national debut on the Dish Network

DETROIT, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — There will be lots of great food in Downtown Detroit when barbeque rib chefs from across the United States gather in Detroit Aug. 5-7 during the 16th Annual Ribs ‘n’ Soul Fest, which has a new name, the Ribs and R&B Jazz Fest.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, chefs from around the country will smoke, grill and season ribs to perfection during the Rib Cook Off.  This year, 15 grillers will compete for the Best Ribs and Best Sauce title. Each winner will receive a three-foot trophy and bragging rights at Detroit‘s most anticipated event of the summer.

The festival will bring ribbers from as far as Atlanta, Jacksonville, the Carolinas, Chicago and Indianapolis, as well as those from Michigan.

Thousands
of rib lovers will eat, drink and shop while enjoying music from two
stages featuring national, regional and local talent.

Grammy-nominated R&B singing group SILK, will sing its #1 hit single, “Freak Me.” Other acts include Alexander O’Neal, Christopher Williams and Detroit‘s own Charles & Gwen Scales, who will perform a tribute to the late Phyllis Hyman. A tribute to the Temptations will be performed by Serieux.

On Sunday, a Gospel Showcase will feature Orthea Barnes and Gospel Davis.

Preferred seating and VIP tickets are available for both Saturday and Sunday shows.

“We work hard to provide our guests with exceptional entertainment and an experience for the entire family,” said Johnnie Washington,
the festival producer. “We expect this year’s festival to be the
hottest event of the summer and draw more than 350,000 people.”

The
Ribs and R&B Jazz Fest also will feature a Health Expo, Art on the
River, an African village, a Business Expo and Kid’s Zone.

For vendor information and how to become a sponsor, call 1-800-794-7503 or email Johnnie Washington at [email protected] or visit www.ribsnsoulrnbjazzfest.com.

Festival hours are:

The
event is sponsored by Hi-Line Gallery, Anheuser Busch, WXMD Mix 92.3,
WJBK Fox 2 , DTE Energy, CVS, Pepsi, M Michael Mills Entertainment, City
Talk, Michigan Chronicle, and Front Page, The Detroit Pistons, WXYZ-TV
7, Dr. Jana Tumpkin McQeen, Arise Detroit , Hilton Garden Hotel and Free High School Completion.

Ribs and R&B Jazz Fest