Tuesday, June 24, 2008

HBOTB hits the Rib Burn Off

By Sarah Poulton

NILES ­— Since 1985, the Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off has been an area favorite.

The thought of smelling ribs on the grill, combined with cold beer and great entertainment creates a festival-like mindset that keeps area residents warm during cold Ohio winters. It will continue to do just that this weekend during the 24th annual mouth-watering event.

Kicking off the entertainment portion of the four-day festival is the very first Homegrown Battle of the Bands. JT, host of the Sunday evening radio show, said they chose the five competing bands based on the number of play requests during the show, as well as availability. The bill includes GreyDealer, Captain Braskey, The Zou, Grand Fury and 5 Elements. The battle will be judged by a panel of judges and the winner will receive $1,000.

The original lineup included Gingerspittz, but singer Drew Lenhart broke his jaw and is unable to sing, so they were replaced by 5 Elements.

“5 E’s has a good vibe and fits the festival,” JT said. “We try to keep the vibe alive and I think we have a pretty eclectic group of musicians. It’s a great bill.”

The bands will be judged on just about everything, including overall performance and crowd participation, JT said, and the winner will be announced around midnight.

“If you bring your crowd and totally rock it out... I think everybody has an opportunity to win,” he said.

Also slated to play Friday at the Rib Burn Off is Acoustic Juggernaut. They were chosen because they have an appealing sound to most audiences, JT said. Acoustic Juggernaut plays an array of originals, and also covers bands like Incubus, Tom Petty and Jack Johnson.

“They’re probably one of the most talented crossover cover band/ original acts over there,” JT said. “ Hoss’ voice is amazing and I thought, let’s get them in front of a bigger audience.”

He said having local, original acts perform is an added feature to this year’s event. The Rib Burn Off has always been geared to a larger, mainstream audience, but if this year’s entertainment is successful, they’ll plan more for next year, he said.

Other entertainment for the event includes Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, Blue Oyster Cult, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, No Excuse, Smack Alice, The Shades and The Earthquakers.

Tara Stitle, coordinator with Mid America Events, said they’ve had a good response toward the HBOTB, and is hoping it will bring a younger crowd to the Burn Off.

“Our attendance has been great (knock on wood) every year,” Stitle said. “We’ve had thousands of people come through the door and we’re hoping to duplicate that again.”

Stitle said this year’s rib competition will feature eight national cooks and the winner will be announced during a ceremony Sunday evening. She said other concessions will be available, and festival-goers are encouraged to sample all kinds of food.

The annual bikini contest will also return to this year’s event on Saturday, hosted by Playboy Hot 100 Model Lisa Neeld.

For more information on the Burn Off, visit their Web site.