By Megan Krause

The 2008 Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest will hit the downtown waterfront from July 25-27. The weekend will include innovative jazz artists of all kinds and a competition to see who has the best ribs.

Rib Burners come from around the country to compete in the Columbus summer staple. This year’s competitors include Armadillo’s, Bad Wolf Barbecue, BBQ Masters, Big Boned BBQ Co., Butch’s BBQ, Chicago Barbecue Company, Cowboy’s BBQ and Rib Co.; Desperado’s, Down Home BarBQue, Jack on the Bone Rib Team, Joey’s Texas Thunder, Johnson’s BBQ, The King of Bar-B Que ribs and Pigfoot BBQ Co.

The competition also includes some of Columbus’s own Rib Burners, including Lawshea’s, Open Hands Catering, Schmidt’s German Village, Smoke Shack and Smokin’ Joes Ribs.

Last year’s returning award winners include Porky N’ Beans, first place Critics’ Choice; Famous Dave’s, second place Critics’ Choice and first place People’s Choice winner; Schmidt’s German Village, third place Critics’ Choice and first place Critics’ Hometown Choice; Smokin’ Joes Ribs, first place Big Whigs’ Pig Award; and Open Hands Catering second place People’s Choice.

The festival will include headlining performances on Friday by Albino, The Motet, Either/Orchestra with Ethiopian special guests and Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Sextet.

 
Saturday’s headliners will be Dafni’s Prieto Sextet, Will Bernard, Charles Tolliver Big Band and The David Sanborn Group.

Finally, performances on Sunday will feature Maurice Brown Effect, Eric Pearson’s Meta-Four, Simone and The Curtis Fuller Super Band.

The festival will be Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A full list of this year’s performers and more information about the event is available on the event Web site at www.hotribscooljazz.org .