A press release about McHenry’s Blues and Brew Festival:
Last call issued for Blues, Brews & BBQ’s grilling contest, sponsorship participants
McHENRY — No, it’s not too late to get in on more than jamming to the sounds and taking in the tastes at summer’s sizzlin’est fest.
Kevin Purcell in 2016.
But deadlines are fast approaching for those who wish to participate in Blues, Brews & BBQ’s first-ever Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned cook-off — and for those who want to show their community spirit by sponsoring the Aug. 18-20 fest at McHenry’s Petersen Park.
As of last week, 24 teams had signed up for the fest’s inaugural KCBS cook-off, said Don Tonyan, co-chairman of the fest, which is coordinated by the Rotary Club of McHenry to raise money for local community and global humanitarian efforts.
“We have space for 36 cook-off teams, and a purse of $5,000 that will be distributed amongst the winners in various categories,” Tonyan said. “The deadline to sign up is Aug. 11, or when we reach the 36 mark, whichever comes first.”
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Only three openings as of Monday night.
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The pro-level contest is open to anyone, Tonyan emphasized.
Neither previous pro-level competition nor KCBS membership are required, although the latter is encouraged. Further, the event’s grand champion will be eligible to compete in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational and possibly the Jack Daniels World Championship. Sign-up details and an application form are available at www.mrbbb.com.
Toronzo Cannon working the crowd in 2013.
Also still available are event sponsorships, ranging from the $100 Friends of Rotary level on up. All sponsors paying by Aug. 14 will be recognized through banners and announcements at the event. Visit www.mrbbb.com and click on the sponsors tab to learn more, or to make an online donation.
“Between our lineup, the always great craft beers, the barbecue vendors and all of the excitement the KCBS contest is generating, this is an especially good year to be a sponsor, and we are so grateful to the many who’ve already stepped up,” said Donna Schaefer, event co-chairwoman.
Scheduled performers include Kevin Purcell in the Allman Brothers tribute band Rosehill Revival, as well as Pierre Lacocque, the BluesNiks, Mississippi Heat and Wall of Denial. The fest will begin and end with local favorites, the John Todd Band and Alabaster. Also featured will be Johnny Iguana and the Claudettes, and the Fernando Jones Kids, young musicians who wowed the Sunday crowd at last summer’s fest. The complete line-up and other fest information are available at mrbbb.com. Blues, Brews & BBQ’s fans also are encouraged to like our Facebook page.