By Erin E. O'Neill
The Marietta Times
For those looking for some lip-smacking, award-winning barbecue and some sweet music, downtown Marietta is the place to be this weekend.
In its third year, the Brick Street BBQ, held to benefit the Colony Theatre Restoration project, will take place in the Parking Partners lot on Second Street Friday and Saturday.
Known in barbecue circles as a big deal, the event is the first leg of the Ohio Barbecue Triple Crown series. The head cook of each team must be a member of the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) and a team must cook at each of the three Ohio events - in Marietta, Kettering and Nelsonville - to be considered for the championship and a chance to compete in some of the bigger KCBS sanctioned events.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Third annual Brick Street BBQ
When: Friday; Gates open at 5 p.m. and Saturday gates open at noon.
Where: Parking Partners lot at Second and Butler streets.
Details: Featured performers will be Sweetback Sisters on Friday and the
Ohio Valley Opry with Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys on Saturday.
Cost: $5 suggested donation to benefit the Colony Theatre restoration project.
For information: 373-0894 or http://brickstreetbbq.com
SCHEDULE
Friday, June 10
5 p.m.: Gate Opens, Food Vendors/Beer Garden Open
6 p.m.: Rattletrap String Band - old time Jam Band from Athens, Ohio; 8 p.m. The Sweetback Sisters - Previously featured on "A Prarie Home Companion" and "Mountain Stage", a modern twist on vintage, 50's/60's era country brought to you by The Galley and The Adelphia Music Hall and appearing after this show at The Adelphia
Saturday, June 11
11 a.m.: Gate Opens;Food Vendors/Beer Garden Open
Noon: High Schools That Rock - students from the Marietta guitar club
1 p.m.: "Not So" All-Star Band of the Marietta Noon Lions Club
2 p.m.: Michael Tobar Jazz Trio
2:30 p.m.: People's Choice Tasting Begins
3:30 p.m.: Vinnie & The Lubricators - Rock and Blues
4:30 p.m.: People's Choice Tasting Ends
5 p.m.: Brick Street BBQ Awards; Scavenger Hunt Winner Drawing; Colony Theatre Seat Raffle Drawing
6 p.m.: The Ohio Valley Opry with Johnny Staats & The Delivery Boys- great country music, inspiring gospel songs, good ol' foot stomping bluegrass brought to you by Skuttle Indoor Air Quality Products
8:30 p.m.: Cadillac Lester - Beverly, Ohio - Country Swing and Psychobilly
"This is a qualifying contest," said Kevin Black, owner of Blacksmith Barbecue, an Ohio Triple Crown committee member and a competitor in this year's event.
Black, who placed 11th overall last year, is one of a handful of local competitors on the circuit. Cowboy Dan (Dan Warren) placed third overall last year and Brutus and Company, run by Dave Smith and Doug Young, placed 27th their first time out.
As someone who is also qualified to judge when he is not competing, Black said the rules of the competition require strict cooking methods.
"There is no electric and no gas allowed," he said. "Cooks have to use all-natural wood or charcoal."
Some of the things the judges will look for include the smoky flavor, texture and spice-to-meat ratio.
"The meat has to be appropriately cooked and properly spiced and sauced ... you should still taste the meat and it shouldn't be like chewing on a rubber band."
The public will have a chance to purchase tickets to sample the goods.
A donation of $5 is also suggested to gain entry but since the event is on city property, it isn't required. Still, the Brick Street BBQ serves as fundraiser for the restoration project, which is nearing a very crucial stage.
"We are right there knocking on the door," said Hunt Brawley, director of the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association. "We have actually started to ask for bids on the plaster work (removal of the old and installation of new), which will be starting in July."
As part of the process, the old seats from the theater will be removed and be available for purchase by anyone who is interested. More information will be available at the barbecue event.
The schedule of entertainers includes the Sweetback Sisters from Brooklyn, New York, who have appeared on Mountain Stage and Prairie Home Companion and have recently played with Loretta Lynn and the Punch Brothers. The Ohio Valley Opry from McConnelsville will also be on hand Saturday night and organizers are hoping Mother Nature will cooperate this year.
"Last year's turnout on Friday was fantastic but then on Saturday it rained," said Brawley. "We brought in about $5,000 but we could easily bring in $10,000 to $15,000 with good weather."
According to the National Weather Service, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms each day, with highs expected in the mid-80s.
