WOW! Rock & Ribs Announces Lineup!!

Ascot Royals, Steve Hill, Union Duke and Carl Dixon to headline Ontario 150 edition of Rock & Ribs Music and Rib Festival.

(West Nipissing, ON – Friday April 21, 2017) Ascot Royals, Steve Hill, Union Duke and Carl Dixon to headline the third annual Rock & Ribs Music and Rib Festival on July 15, 2017 at Minnehaha Bay, 300 King Street in Sturgeon Falls, West Nipissing, ON. 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 was an incredible success with over 6,000 attendees throughout the day which culminated in amazing performances by Carl Dixon, North Bay’s Cory Marquardt and 4 time JUNO nominees Jonas and the Massive Attraction. On the heels of a devastating fire in downtown Sturgeon Falls that destroyed several businesses and displaced many families, Rock & Ribs was able to provide some relief by donating $4,000 to local fire victims and an additional $5,000 to the West Nipissing Ouest Volunteer Firefighters to put towards equipment and training as well as their annual Christmas Toy Drive. A further $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.

This year, the festival is hoping for yet another successful event commemorating Ontario’s 150th by offering 4 headliners and further improving the overall experience for attendees.

Among the highlights are Ascot Royals, a high energy alt-rock group fresh off a recent cross country tour with Big Wreck. Currently touring their third EP “New Skin” featuring their highly 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, to name a few, and were named one of the emerging Canadian artists to watch in 2017 by Canadian Beats. The group is playing the Rivoli in Toronto on April 21st as part of Canadian Music Week.

You also won’t want to miss Steve Hill, winner of the 2015 JUNO Blues Album of the Year as well as 4 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, the group belts out irresistible songs that will have you up on your feet and dancing until the last note is plucked. Currently on a Western tour, Union Duke have performed at countless festivals including TURF, Mariposa, and Summerfolk, topping the list of must-see acts. Two fifths city, two fifths country, one fifth whiskey, their enthusiasm is infectious and they leave every audience smiling.

Of course, unofficial Rock & Ribs Ambassador, 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. Featuring scores of local exhibitors, award winning food vendors, a free kids’ zone and a unique contest where local BBQ pit masters compete for prizes and bragging rights. 2015 winners Guilles Tessier / Denis Allard and 2016 winners Robert Kienapple / Ryan Speck return to defend their crowns.

The festival can be accessed via Lake Nipissing and the Sturgeon River, although boat slips are limited. Wristbands are only $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.

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