Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2009

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Jazz & Rib Fest Moves to the Arena District

COLUMBUS, Ohio — This summer the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Jazz & Rib Fest will celebrate 30 years as one of the most anticipated events in downtown Columbus and the Midwest with a move to the city’s premier entertainment destination, the Arena District. The aroma of hot ribs and sounds of cool jazz will fill the air on July 24 and 25 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and July 26 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

McFerson Commons and North Bank Park stages will anchor the event with performances featuring the best in local, regional and international jazz artists. New this year, the Jazz Café at North Bank Pavilion, will showcase local artists on an intimate riverfront stage set against the city skyline. Award winning rib-burners representing 10 states and Canada will fire up their BBQ-filled grills along Spring & Long Streets to compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights. Admission is free.

“We are extremely grateful that we are going to have Jazz & Rib Fest thanks to the generosity of our sponsors who stepped up to the plate with funding, as well as Columbus City Councilmember, Priscilla Tyson, and her fellow Councilmembers who provided $15,000 from the city’s hotel/motel tax,” said Alan D. McKnight, Director, Columbus Recreation and Parks. “We are also excited about moving to our new location in the Arena District for the next couple of years while the Town St. and Main St. bridges are under construction.”

City Council announced last week that it will provide $10,000 from the hotel/motel tax money for Festival Latino as well. McKnight indicated that additional information regarding this event will be forthcoming shortly.

For more information, please contact the Jazz & Rib Fest Coordinator, Karen Wiser, at 645-6449.

Calendar Information – 2009 Jazz & Rib Fest

Date & Time:
Friday, July 24, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: The Arena District: North Bank Park, McFerson Commons, and Spring & Long Streets in downtown Columbus.

Description: Join us in the Arena District to celebrate 30 years of hot ribs and cool jazz at the Jazz & Rib Fest. Admission is free!

Information: www.hotribscooljazz.org or (614) 645-7995.

Jazz & Rib Fest is sponsored by Bud Light, Crowne Plaza, Smooth Jazz WJZA, and produced by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

For all media inquiries, please contact Karen Wiser
at klwiser@columbus.gov or 614-645-6449.