Three Nights of National Talent set for RibFest

SMG – Sioux Falls, the management company of the Sioux Falls Arena, is pleased to announce their music line-up for the 14th annual Argus Leader RibFest. For the second consecutive year, the festival will feature three nights of national headliners.

Kicking off the festival on Thursday, June 2nd will be Grammy nominated blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Shepherd has been putting out albums for two decades and influencing musicians and racking up accolades along the way.

On Friday, June 3rd, multi-platinum selling rock group, Gin Blossoms will command the RibFest stage. The Gin Blossoms will bring all their mega-hits like “Hey Jealousy”, “Found Out About You” and “Til I Hear It From You” to the event.

Wrapping up the string of national headliners is James Otto, a rising star in the country music scene. Now touring on his third major label album with 8 charted country singles, Otto will bring his unique brand of soulful country music to RibFest.

In its fourteenth year, the Argus Leader RibFest has become one of the region’s largest festivals. “South

Dakota’s Biggest Backyard BBQ” attracted close to 45,000 festival goers last year. For the second year, Sunday will be an admission-free Family Day at RibFest brought to you by Sanford Health.

Free Friday is back this year courtesy of Campbell’s Supply. Stop by any Sioux Falls Campbell’s location to pick-up a ticket good for admission to the festival between 11 AM – 4 PM on Friday, June 3.

Eight world-famous barbeque vendors are set to compete in the Arena parking lot again this year. The “ribbers” will be vying for cash prizes and the “bragging rights”.

Additional local acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 2nd at 10:00 am and can be purchased at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Festival goers can also charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

On Saturday, June 5, the first ever competitive rib eating contest will be held on the stage at the Argus Leader RibFest. Sponsored by Ag United, the contest will feature 10 contestants in an intense battle of endurance and girth. For registration details and rules, please e-mail info@sfarena.com or stop by the Sioux Falls Arena Administration office.

Finally, patrons who like to take in several nights of music and ribs can now purchase a weekend Wristband for $10. Wristbands will go on sale Monday, May 2 at 10 AM. Single night tickets will go on sale as well and are $5. Wristbands will be available only at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office. Single day tickets can be purchased at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets including Ticketmaster.com. Festival goers can also charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets and wristbands will also be available at the gate.