Ascot Royals, Steve Hill, Union Duke and Carl Dixon will headline the third annual Rock & Ribs Music and Rib Festival on July 15 at Minnehaha Bay in Sturgeon Falls.
The single day festival will also feature many local artists such as Roadhouse, JW Stevens, The Drive, Justin Beauchamp, Jean Marc Michaud as well as Cardinal Street whose members include Dylan Gowan and P.J. Gowan.
Last year’s Rock & Ribs attracted over 6,000 attendees throughout the day to see Carl Dixon, North Bay’s Cory Marquardt and four time JUNO nominees Jonas and the Massive Attraction.
The festival was also able to donate $4,000 to victims of that devastating fire in downtown Sturgeon Falls that destroyed several businesses and displaced many families.
See: West Nipissing's Rock n' Ribs draws 6,000
An additional $5,000 went to the West Nipissing Ouest Volunteer Firefighters to put towards equipment and training as well as their annual Christmas Toy Drive and $1,000 was donated to sponsor Nipissing First Nation Little NHL and $1,500 in cash and prizes were handed out, with Sturgeon Falls resident Heather Eyamie claiming the $1,000 door prize.
The Ascot Royals are a high energy alt-rock group fresh off a cross-country tour with Big Wreck. Currently touring their third EP “New Skin” featuring their successful single “The Best Is Yet To Come”, Ascot Royals have shared the stage with The Sheepdogs, Hollerado, Collective Soul, USS and Down With Webster. The band was named one of the emerging Canadian artists to watch in 2017 by Canadian Beats.
Steve Hill is the winner of the 2015 JUNO Blues Album of the Year as well as four Maple Blues Awards. Dubbed by the Montreal Gazette as “the meanest guitar player in Canada” and “the top star in the Canadian blues scene right now” by Bob Mersereau of CBC, Steve Hill is the ultimate one-man band as he performs standing up while singing and playing guitar, his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and with a drum stick fused to the head of his trusty guitar, any other percussion within reach.
Also on the ticket are Toronto folk quintet Union Duke, known for their explosive live show. Blending soulful indie rock with bluegrass and country and layered harmonies.
Canadian rock legend and fan favourite, Carl Dixon (Coney Hatch, April Wine and The Guess Who) returns for his third year as co-headliner, bringing classic rock hits to life.
Professional rib teams Smokehouse Bandits and Route 55 BBQ will be serving up their award winning ribs, chicken and pulled pork while Beavertails, Dino’s Dairy Bar will be on hand for those with a sweet tooth. Twiggs Coffee Roasters and Monique’s Chip Stand will both be serving a varied menu.
The West Nipissing Rock & Ribs Music and Rib Festival is a not-for-profit festival which supports local charities and organisations. The venue is a site-wide licensed, family-friendly event at the Minnehaha Bay park on the shores of the Sturgeon River.
Kids 10 and under enter for free with a ticketed adult.
The festival can be accessed via Lake Nipissing and the Sturgeon River, although boat slips are limited.
Wristbands are $5 until June 30th, $10 from July 1st to July 15 and are available online at rockandribs.ca or at several locations to be announced soon.
