It’s one of Westport’s newest — and best-loved — traditions.
But while this year’s 6th annual Blues, Views & BBQ (August 31-September 1) features the same BBQ competitions thousands of festival-goers have come to expect, there is plenty that’s different.
Seen at last year’s Blues, Views & BBQ…
Levitt Pavilion construction has moved the venue to Jesup Green. The cooking demos include a mix of old favorites and newcomers: Tabouli Grill, Match, Chocopolgie, Da Pietro, Barcelona, Saugatuck Craft Butchery and more.
The food court will satisfy any food lover (except those on diets): Bobby Q’s, The Melt Mobile, Winnie’s Jerk Chicken & Fish, Dave & Jerry’s Hot Dog Trolley, Old Fashioned Kettle Corn, to name a few.
Thirsty? Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, Tito’s Vodka, Jim Beam, Newman’s Own Wines and Lemonade — and Poland Spring Water to the rescue.
There’s a Kids’ Corral with games, street performers, tattoos, a magician, a mechanical bull, a School of Rock performance, and — just what parents don’t allow at home — rib- and pie-eating contests.
Musical entertainment ranges far beyond “blues.” Royal Southern Brotherhood has a Neville Brother and Greg Allman’s son (!) as lead vocals. Quinn Sullivan is just 14, but has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel and Ellen DeGeneres. Cactus has been touring since 1970 (!!). The Stooges are a loud brass band — with hip-hop mixed in — from New Orleans; they’ve played Bonaroo and South By Southwest.
As for Popa Chubby — well, he’s a big guy with tattoos playing “Over the Rainbow.”
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The Westport Downtown Merchants Association presents this year’s Blues, Views & BBQ Festival. The BBQ competition benefits the Westport Woman’s Club food closet. Daily tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors; children under 12 are free. Two-day passes are $45 for adults, $25 for students and seniors (pay in advance).
Tell ’em Popa Chubby sent you.
Cuttin’ the rug (or Levitt Pavilion lawn) at last year’s event.
