The riverfront in Madison, Indiana will be filled with the soulful sound of blues and the smoky aroma of BBQ for the 20th Annual Madison Ribberfest Barbeque & Blues presented by Koehler Tire. This two-day festival, August 19th & 20th along the scenic Ohio River in historic Madison, features regional and national blues bands, barbeque competitions, family fun and more. It’s a fan favorite and was a 2016 Award Winner for Best of Indiana – Best Music Festival!
Erin Kindle, Madison Ribberfest Event Coordinator shared, “It’s hard to believe that we are entering our 20th year of Ribberfest, we simply could not do this without our committee members and volunteers, so as much as we are celebrating our 20th, we are celebrating everyone that makes it possible and puts on a heck of an event on Madison’s riverfront.”
Nine great blues artists and bands will take the stage for the Craig Toyota Blues Bash – Friday evening and all-day Saturday, August 19th & 20th at Madison Ribberfest. Friday night kicks off at 6:00 p.m. by welcoming back Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, followed by Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, and ending with headliner Samantha Fish. On Saturday, music starts with local artist Darryl Hewitt & SOULSHINE at 11:30 a.m., followed by Jason Wells Band, The Joe Louis Walker Band, Victor Wainwright & The Train, the North Mississippi Allstars, and topping the night off with headliner Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
Along the riverfront, Friday morning through Saturday afternoon you can watch competitors in three of our BBQ competitions: Kansas City Barbeque Society, Madison Courier Backyard BBQ Blast, and the Kidz “Q”. Barbeque lovers get to see over 45 professional barbeque teams from around the country compete in the Indiana State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off for cash/prizes and a chance to represent Indiana at the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s world championship. On Friday, amateurs will compete in the Madison Courier Backyard BBQ Blast and youngsters will compete Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Kidz “Q” brought to you by Kroger.
Advance tickets will be $40* (without food coupons) from July 2nd through August 18th. On August 19th & 20th wristbands are $45* at Gate and online, good for both days. *Credit card fees may apply. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Watch our website www.MadisonRibberfest.com, and social media for event updates. For details see The Rest of the Fest.
Erin added, “We would like to thank our Title Sponsor ‘Koehler Tires’ and Blues Sponsor ‘Craig Toyota’. We’d also like to thank SuperATV, Arvin Sango, Auxier Family, Anderson’s Sales, The Madison Courier, German American Bank, Jeff Frazier, Kroger, and all the Friends of Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues.”
