ROOTS ‘N BLUES ‘N BBQ FESTIVAL BACK FOR SECOND YEAR

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival is back for another year of rockin' music, tasty barbeque, and family fun. The 2008 Festival will feature more than 25 internationally renowned musicians who encompass a variety of authentic sounds spanning the roots, blues, gospel, bluegrass, R&B, and folk genres. Performing on three stages, Buddy Guy, Jerry Douglas, the Del McCoury Band, Cedric Burnside, Ruthie Foster, Doyle Bramhall and Dale Watson are just a few of the scheduled acts. The free festival will be held in Columbia, Mo. Friday Oct. 3 to Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.

Tracy Lane, executive director of Thumper Entertainment, said, "Our goal for the festival is to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the differing genres which comprise ‘roots music.' We feel it's very important to continue to offer this as a free event, as well as a family event. Thumper's mission is to create live music events that connect the audience and the artists in an unforgettable experience."

The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival is an authentic celebration of heritage-roots music, BBQ, family and community. Last year the festival hosted 65,000 music and BBQ enthusiasts. This year the Festival expects to entertain 100,000 people. Three stages in a 15 block radius will entertain audiences for two days. Located in the center of Missouri, Columbia is an opportune locale for the festival because it sits between St. Louis, famous for its blues, and Kansas City, known for its BBQ.

The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ will also hold its Second Annual Kansas City Barbeque Society State Championship BBQ contest. Competition categories this year include ribs, chicken, pork, brisket and sausage. Fifteen thousand dollars in cash prizes will be awarded. Apply by Aug. 29, 2008 at http://www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com/bbq-contest/ to compete.