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Ribfest has its usual lineup of good food and a better-than-usual lineup of big-name bands and singers.
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Northeast Exchange Club's annual salute to ribs and rock 'n' roll scored big this year, landing one of its most star-studded musical lineups: the Doobie Brothers, Cyndi Lauper, Leon Russell, Edgar Winter, Gregg Allman and Grand Funk Railroad.
The bands, along with lots of local entertainment, will play through the day Friday, Saturday and Sunday as thousands sample pork barbecued by rib masters from around the country and one, "Aussom Aussie" from Sydney, Australia.
Other activities include a Harley-Davidson show Saturday and a Corvette show Sunday.
The new kids area will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with activities by Radio Disney, Great Explorations, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and more.
Coolers, cameras and pets are not allowed. Beer will be sold, and blankets and small lawn chairs are allowed. All bags will be subject to search at the gate.
6 p.m. Stormbringer: local rock.
7 p.m. Cheeky Monkey: local rock.
8 p.m. The Doobie Brothers: The Doobie Brothers were one of the 1970s most popular rock bands, scoring feel-good hits with China Grove, Listen to the Music and Jesus Is Just Alright. The lineup has shifted over the years, with leader Michael McDonald in and out during the 1990s -- McDonald's currently out -- but the songs are terrific, still.
1 p.m. Julliet: Florida's Julliet plays the kind of powerful rock with big hooks that was championed by the big hair Los Angeles bands of the 1980s.
2 p.m. The Poker Alice Band: local rock.
3 p.m. Cyndi Lauper: This is Lauper's third performance in the bay area this year: She headlined at Jannus Landing back in February and opened for Cher at the St. Pete Times Forum in September. She's gotten only better since her 1980s heyday of Girls Just Want To Have Fun, She Bop and Time After Time. Lauper is a wonderful live performer with an amazing voice, fun sensibilities and energy for days.
4 p.m. Kristi Blue Band: local rock.
5 p.m. Diamond Gray: local rock.
6 p.m. Supernatural: local Santana tribute band.
6 p.m. (on the second stage) HED: local rock.
7 p.m. The Poker Alice Band: (different show from 2 p.m. set) local rock.
8 p.m. Gregg Allman & Friends: Gregg Allman, who sold out a Ruth Eckerd Hall show in September, is one of rock 'n' roll's most famous keyboardist for his decades of fine playing and singing in the Allman Brothers Band. On his own, Allman has scored hits with his soulful music on tunes such as Laid Back and I'm No Angel. Allman's new album is No Stranger to the Dark: The Best of Gregg Allman.
1 p.m. Mike Wade & Bottom End: local rock
2 p.m. Leon Russell: The legendary Russell has played for every big name in rock, from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Stones, and was a member of Phil Spector's reknown studio group. Russell's gravelly voice is instantly familiar on his hits such as Tight Rope and Lady Blue.
4 p.m. Edgar Winter: Come on and take a Free Ride with Edgar Winter, one of rock's most interesting guitarists. Winter loves the blues, and he has been riffing on that genre in unique ways for decades, raising eyebrows with the monster crunch of Frankenstein.
5 p.m. Elevated: local rock.
6 p.m. Grand Funk Railroad: Yes, they're an American Band, and Grand Funk Railroad is darn proud of it! Since the early 1970s, Grand Funk has done things its own way, whether it's a reworking of the 1960s dance hit The Loco-Motion or reuniting in 1997 to record a benefit album for Bosnia. The lineup rotates; the tunes remain funky.
Gates for Ribfest open at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday at Vinoy Park, Seventh Avenue NE at Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg. Tickets are $6 per day advance plus service charge at Ticketmaster, $10 at gate. Ages 12 and younger are free. (727) 528-3828 or www.ribfest.org.