Cory Marquardt joins headliners at Rock 'n Ribs Music and Ribs Festival

Local country star Cory Marquardt will join Jonas & The Massive Attraction, and the  Carl Dixon Trio to headline the second annual Rock ‘N’ Ribs Music and Rib Festival July 16, at Minnehaha Bay in Sturgeon Falls.

The one day festival will also feature many local artists such as Roadhouse, J.W. Stevens, Janie Pépin, Julie Ann Bertram, Justin Beauchamp, Taylor Kirkwood and Brain Flower, as well as half a dozen emerging artists at the free access secondary stage adjacent to the main festival grounds.

Last year’s Rock ‘N’ Ribs, organized in nine weeks by the six-member committee on a shoestring budget, attracted over 3,500 attendees throughout the day and culminating in performances by Sudbury’s Tommy Fyfe and the Whiskey River Blues Band, Canadian rock icon Carl Dixon and hard rocking local recording artists High Holy Days.

This year, the festival has scaled up its efforts and expects to play host to over 5,000 music lovers throughout the day.

Local country-rock outlaw Cory Marquardt will be co-headlining in support of his new album “This Man” which debuted at #1 in its first week for Canadian country albums on iTunes. With several hot singles, including “21”, “Smartphone” and “Nowhere With You” in regular rotation and a couple of cross-country tours under his belt, the North Bay native is cementing his reputation as a dynamic performer, solid songwriter and versatile vocalist and making some big waves on the country music scene on both sides of the border. 

Marquardt has toured with Aaron Pritchett and Toby Keith and will be playing at the Boots and Hearts Festival later this Summer.

Four time JUNO nominated Jonas & The Massive Attraction will also perform.

It's a hard rock, blues infused, outfit from Montreal featuring one of Canada’s best rock vocalists and entertainers - Jonas Tomalty. The group has recently announced that they will also be opening for Colin James at the Thunder Bay Blues Festival on July 9, 2016.

In addition, Rock ‘N’ Ribs fan favourite and Canadian rock legend Carl Dixon (Coney Hatch, April Wine, The Guess Who) returns for his second year as co-headliner.

Professional rib teams Jack The Ribber and Route 55 BBQ will be serving up their award winning ribs, chicken and pulled pork while Beavertails and Nana’s Kettlecorn will be on hand for those with a sweet tooth.

Twiggs Coffee Roasters will be serving a varied menu along with other food vendors.

The West Nipissing Rock ‘N’ 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.

Once again, live entertainment will be available throughout the afternoon at the amphitheatre adjacent to the festival grounds for those who prefer a free show.

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

Admission to the festival is $5 advanced or $10 at the gate. Wristbands go on sale, locally and online, in early April.