CLEVELAND, OH. (Belkin Productions/ www.towercityamphitheater.com) - For more than 100,000 people annually, the Tops Great American Rib Cook-Off &
Music Festival at Tower City Amphitheater (TCA) means succulent ribs, freshly grilled sweet corn, tempting desserts and high energy concerts. Rib and music lovers converge on Memorial Day weekend (May 26-30) for what, for many, has come to mean the official kickoff to summer in Cleveland.
While a leisurely summer celebration for attendees, behind-the-scenes the "ribbers" are in serious competition. Ten grillers from throughout the United States plus one all the way from Australia engage in a saucy battle for the titles of "Greatest Ribs in America," "Greatest Sauce in America" and "People's Choice." And, prior to the event, imaginative sweettooths concocted dream ice cream flavors as a part of the Woo City Ice Cream "Design Your Favorite Flavor Ice Cream Contest." To determine the ultimate winner, three finalists share the honor of having their decadent desserts sampled and voted on by Rib Cook-off attendees.
Also on the menu are a variety of national musical attractions. On Thursday, May 26, the distinctive sounds of The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring vocalist Kim Wilson and the rock hits of Eddie Money kick-off the weekend's sizzling entertainment. British singer/songwriter John Waite brings his decades of memorable hits center stage before Flogging Molly roars in with an Irish punk sound on Friday, May 27. A full lineup for Saturday, May 28, includes the classic rock hooks of Blue Oyster Cult, Dave Mason and Donnie Iris & The Cruisers. The soulful inspiration of American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard along with the chart topping alt-pop trio Better Than Ezra fill the air Sunday, May 29. The Saw Doctors' rootsy Irish hits close out the weekend.
The 2005 Tops Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival is produced by Belkin Productions. For more information, call 440.247.4FUN, toll-free 888.761.SHOW or visit https://www.cleveland.com/rib
For directions to Tower City Amphitheater, log onto https://www.towercityamphitheater.com
Festival Dates and Times
Thursday, May 26 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday, May 27 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 28 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 29 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Monday, May 30 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
General admission is only $5.00 and includes ALL concert performances. Children under 12 are FREE. Discounted admission is available with Tops Bonus Card.
