Big Names Announced for Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest April 12-14

PALMETTO – The 7th annual Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest announced last week that 38 Special, Foghat, Fantastia Barrino, Eric Darius and the Lee Boys would be among the musical acts headlining this year's festival at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. The three-day music and food festival takes place April 12–14.

Fanatsia Barrino public domain phot from Wikimedia

For the past six years, Rhythm & Ribfest has consistently delivered great entertainment to the local stage, along with an incredible selection of food. More than 20,000 music and food lovers from all over Florida, the United States, Canada, and Germany attended the 2012 three-day festival. Previous years have featured performances by The Charlie Daniels Band, Tyrese, War, The Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet.

Fantasia, a Grammy award winner & American Idol season three winner, is ecpected to be one of the most popular shows, along with classic-rock legends 38 Special, who've sold over 20 million records in a long career which has seen them become one of the icons of the "southern rock" sound associated with bands like the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Crowes.

Organizers have also added a 5K Rib Run to the lineup of events. As always, award-winning Grilling Teams from across the nation boasting titles and awards such as “Greatest Ribs in America”, “Golden Ribs Award”, “Best Sauce in the Nation” and
numerous “People’s Choice Awards” will have their BBQ Pits smoking and are ready to defend their titles.

Featured at this year’s event will be the Carolina Rib King, who recently won 1st place on the TLC network’s extremely popular show BBQ Pitmasters. Tickets are on sale now at www.gulfcoastribfest.com and will go on sale at participating Walgreens Stores in the Tampa Bay Area on March 25. Visit the website for details on festival hours, ticket prices and locations, 5K Run registration, etc.

Organizers also announced Bright House Networks as the returning presenting sponsor.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rhythm & Ribfest,” said Leah Brown, Public Relations Manager. “Ribfest brings first class entertainment and top-notch vendors from across the country each year. 100% of the proceeds from this event support United Community Centers, who has been providing before and after school care, educational, social, and character building programs to thousands of children in our community since 1937. UCC’s mission of Building Dreams and Changing Lives aligns perfectly with our values here at Bright House Networks. We are committed to partnering with programs that support the health and wellbeing of our young people.”