The appearance of Travis Tritt marks the addition of country music for the first known time at Ribfest on a major weekend evening. One of the leading new country singers in the early 1990’s, Travis Tritt developed a gutsy, outlaw image that distinguished him from the pack. Throughout the early 90’s he had a string of platinum albums and top ten singles including three number one hits. Best known for songs such as “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” and “Foolish Pride” and his stardom and influence in the country music world continued in 2007 when Category 5 released a new studio effort from Tritt called The Storm, produced by the well known American Idol judge and musician Randy Jackson. Travis Tritt will perform at 10 p.m. at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place on August 4. Gate fee admission is $5 from 4-7 pm and $10 after 7 pm.
Opening for Travis Tritt is a new band called Parmalee. Hosted by B-93, Parmalee is a Country Rock band from North Carolina that recently signed with Stoney Creek Records. Their name is derived from the small town of Parmele, NC, where they started creating music in a small barn. The band members are lead singer and guitarist Matt Thomas, bassist and vocalist Barry Knox (Matt and Scott Thomas’ cousin), Josh McSwain (lead guitar, vocals, and friend), and drummer Scott Thomas (Matt’s brother). Sweeping the country, Parmalee is taking B-93 by storm with their new hit single, “Musta Had a Good Time.” The song was written with the help of David Fanning and has proven to be a launching point for Parmalee. Parmalee will perform at 8 p.m.
Community Advocates Ribfest is a major fundraising event for The Arc Community Advocates, and sponsored by Maple Hill Auto Group and Labatt Blue. The money raised through this event enables the agency to make it possible for each person with an intellectual or developmental disability to participate fully in all aspects of community and to support the effort of each individual to determine his/her own future. The 3-day event is hosted at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in Downtown Kalamazoo, August 2-4. The event features eight national and three local rib vendors that sell ribs and chicken that feature some of the best barbeque sauces. To compliment the rib vendors, there are additional food vendors offering pizza, salads, fried veggies, pastries, and ice cream. All of the vendors are colorful and display their awards and rib eating slogans proudly. The site is filled with splendid food, nationally renowned entertainment, and good cheer.
Since its inception twenty years ago, Community Advocates Ribfest has raised over $925,000 for The Arc Community Advocates. Over 550 volunteers donate their time, energy and commitment to making Ribfest a signature summer festival. The event has won the Kalamazoo Gazette’s Reader’s Choice Award for the Best Outdoor Festival for three consecutive years. The volunteers along with The Arc Community Advocates Board works to provide a festival that is community focused and mission driven.
