THIS WEEKEND | Hot Ribs, Cool Jazz!

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with hot ribs and cool jazz. The 34th annual Jazz & Rib Fest, presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, returns to the Arena District riverfront on July 19-21. The aroma of hot ribs and sounds of cool jazz will fill the air on July 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and July 21 from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Through the generous support of sponsors, this year’s festival will offer jazz connoisseurs 44 live performances showcasing internationally renowned jazz artists and top local talent. In addition, 22 award-winning barbeque pit masters will be serving up sizzling ribs, chicken and more along Spring and Long Streets to compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights.

The American Electric Power Stage presented by ABC 6 in McFerson Commons and the North Bank Park Stage presented by FOX 28 will anchor the event with featured performances by Boney James, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Galactic, Arturo Sandoval, Roy Ayers and Grace Kelly Quintet.

The Jazz Café at North Bank Pavilion will showcase local and regional jazz artists on the riverfront stage set against the city skyline. The Jazz Café also features covered seating on the back patio of the North Bank Pavilion.

For more information, including a full schedule, visit the festival website:
www.HotRibsCoolJazz.org