SmokeSlam Unveils More Than Just BBQ; A Three-Day Festival For BBQ Fans And The Whole Family

Memphis, Tennessee – SmokeSlam, the ultimate BBQ festival, is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for BBQ enthusiasts, families, foodies, and tourists alike. In addition to showcasing the world’s richest prize in BBQ, SmokeSlam has unveiled an exciting lineup of activities and partnerships that make it more than just a BBQ competition.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Live Fire Extravaganza, which will take place daily. Renowned pitmasters such as Al Frugoni, Chris Stafford (LoneMountainBBQ), Misty Banchero (SeattleButchersWife), and Toni Ramirez (TFTI) will be cooking up endless mouthwatering bites for guests to enjoy. From sliders and wings to street tacos and shrimp and grits, there will be something to satisfy every palate. And for those looking for vegetarian options, BBQ’d veggies and fruits will also be available.

But SmokeSlam is not just about BBQ. The festival has partnered with the non-profit organization Project Green Fork to provide food to underprivileged communities across Memphis. By retrieving surplus food from the festival and distributing it to community stakeholders, SmokeSlam is making a positive impact on the local community.

To cater to families, SmokeSlam has introduced stroller- and diaper bag-friendly rules. This means that parents can bring their little ones to enjoy the festival without any hassle. Kids will also have the opportunity to be inspired by young pitmasters competing in Melissa Cookston’s World Junior Barbecue League.

For those looking for something other than BBQ, SmokeSlam has added a plethora of activities to keep guests entertained. 901 Pickleball, sponsored by Wickles Pickles, will be providing four full-size pickleball courts for anyone who wants to give the sport a try. There will also be music, coaches, and demo gear available for those new to the game.

Live music will also be a major highlight of the festival, with performances by popular artists such as Tone Loc, WAR, and The Bar-Kays. And to add to the festive atmosphere, there will be a fireworks display every night.

Food vendors will be aplenty at SmokeSlam, with local favorites such as Mempops, Pronto Pups, Sawce Pizza, and Tica’s Burger Joint serving up delicious treats. The Memphis Market, curated by Memphis Flavor, will also be selling the city’s finest rubs and sauces, providing guests with the opportunity to take home a taste of Memphis.

In addition to the exciting lineup of events and activities, SmokeSlam boasts the largest cash prize purse in history, now at $275,000. Winners will also receive one-of-a-kind trophies designed and created by the famed Memphis Metal Museum.

SmokeSlam has received support from various sponsors, including Bud Light, B&B Charcoal, Duraflame, Cowboy Charcoal, White Claw, and Coca-Cola. The festival is set to take place at Tom Lee Park, with doors opening at 2 PM each day and the park closing at midnight.

Thursday:

2 PM – 8 PM – B&B Charcoal Live Fire Extravaganza presented by NBBQA
2:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Christy Vanovers @girlscangril
3:00 PM – WFC Bacon Judging Starts
3:30 PM – Cooking Demo with John Lindsey @allquedupbbq
4:00 PM – WFC Wings Judging Starts
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Meet and Greets with Head Pitmasters Al Frugoni and Derek Wolf (OvertheFireCooking) (VIP ONLY)
4:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Erica Roby @bluesmokeblair
5:00 PM – WFC Dessert Judging Starts
5:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Ray Sheehan @chef.raysheehan
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: Noisy Cats Are We
6:00 PM – 7:00 – Meet and Greets with Myron Mixon (5x World Champion), Heath Riles (75x BBQ Grand Champion), and Carey Bringle (PegLegPorker) (VIP ONLY)
6:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Robert Perkins/Pancho and Lefty
7:15 PM -8:15 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: Mustache The Band
7:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Mike Starr @blazingstarbbq
8:45 PM – 10:15 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: Mix Tape Tour featuring Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, DJ M Walk

Friday

2 PM – 8 PM – B&B Charcoal Live Fire Extravaganza presented by NBBQA
2:30 PM – Cooking Demo with John Lindsey @allquedupbbq
2:30 PM – WFC Duck Judging Starts
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Meet and Greets with Logan Sandoval (ZefBBQ) and Netflix BBQ Showdown Champion Thyron Mathews (VIP only)
3:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Ray Sheehan @chef.raysheehan
4:00 PM – WFC Seafood Judging Starts
4:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Erica Roby @bluesmokeblair
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM Live Music at the White Claw Stage: Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM – Meet and Greets with Melissa Cookston (7xWorld BBQ Champion), Erica Roby (Blue Smoke Blair), and TV personality Gina Neely
5:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Kunchi @cookinwidkunchi
6 PM – 7:15 PM WFC Awards Ceremony hosted by Erica Roby of Blue Smoke Blaire and Gina Neely (Host of Bluff City Life)
6:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Thyron Mathews @thyronmathew
7:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Mike Starr @blazingstarbbq
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: The Bar-Kays
9 PM – 10:15 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: War

Saturday

2:00 – MBN Finals Judging Begins
2 PM – 8 PM – B&B Charcoal Live Fire Extravaganza presented by NBBQA
2:30 PM – Cooking Demo with John Lindsey @allquedupbbq
3:00 PM – WJBL Chicken Turn in
3:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Christy Vanovers @girlscangrill
3:30 PM – WJBL Ribs Turn in
4:00 PM – WJBL Pork Turn In
4:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Erica Roby @bluesmokeblair
4:30 PM – WJBL Brisket Turn In
5:15 PM – 7:15 PM World Junior Barbecue League (WJBL) Awards followed by Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN) Awards hosted by Thyron & Logan from Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown
5:30 PM – Cooking Demo with Ray Sheehan @chef.raysheehan
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: SmokeSlam Players
8:45 PM – 10:15 PM – Live Music at the White Claw Stage: St Paul and the Broken Bones
**Saturday Meet and Greets for VIP to be announced.

Tickets for SmokeSlam are available for purchase online or at the gate. General admission tickets are priced at $24.99 for a single day and $65 for all three days. VIP tickets, which include special guest appearances, book signings, and more, are priced at $240 per day or $599 for the entire three-day festival.

As SmokeSlam promises to be an unforgettable experience for BBQ enthusiasts and families alike, it is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of mouthwatering BBQ, live music, or exciting activities, SmokeSlam has something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the ultimate BBQ festival experience.

About SmokeSlam

SmokeSlam is an upcoming BBQ festival organized by Mempho Presents, a group deeply rooted in Memphis, music, and barbecue. The inaugural SmokeSlam competition will take place from May 16 to 18, 2024, at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, TN. With a prize purse of $275,000, SmokeSlam boasts the largest pork BBQ competition prize in history. The Memphis BBQ Network (MBN) has partnered with SmokeSlam to oversee the pork championship judging. This MBN-sanctioned event allows teams to compete in all three main categories, with category winners having the opportunity to earn a ‘Golden Ticket’ to participate in the World Food Championships (WFC) in the autumn. The WFC will also be sanctioning the ancillary competitions held on Thursday and Friday. For additional details, please visit www.SmokeSlam.com.

About Mempho Presents

Mempho Presents is a branch of Forward Momentum that specializes in organizing exceptional live events and creating memorable experiences for fans. Their focus is on producing shows and events throughout the year, primarily in Memphis, TN, and the surrounding Mid-South area. For additional details, please visit https://memphopresents.com/.

SOURCE SmokeSlam

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

CHARLOTTE, N.C /PRNewswire/ — To salute ten years of showcasing the dynamism of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands, Webber Marketing (WM), creators of the National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB), is set to release the first three films from the NBOTB series on YouTube, presented by Pepsi. This move is designed to provide fans with open access to these pivotal documentaries, reflecting on the influence and legacy of HBCU marching bands.

The inaugural film, “A Salute to HBCU Marching Bands,” which first aired in 2021, will be made available on YouTube on Friday, April 26, at 8:00 p.m. EST. The subsequent releases— “A Salute to the Battle,” first shown in 2022, and “The Road to Houston: Preparing to Battle,” from 2023—will follow suit on May 3 and May 10, respectively, each premiering at 8:00 p.m. EST. Moreover, the most recent installment, “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands,” aired this past February and will be celebrated again in June during Black Music Month, syndicated across over 50 markets. Dates and locations for this re-airing will be forthcoming on NationalBattleoftheBands.com/salute.

The annual musical showcase was created to amplify the visibility of HBCU marching bands, highlight the band members’ talent, and the significance of the band culture at HBCUs and across the country. The NBOTB aids in scholarships for those participating colleges and universities in support of its mission to showcase the role bands play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.

Reflecting on the film series, Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Founder of the National Battle of the Bands, states, “These films are more than just retrospectives; they’re a celebration of the enduring spirit and evolving journey of HBCU marching bands. From their storied past to their dynamic present and into their bright future, we’re honoring the cultural bedrock these bands represent. Making these films accessible on YouTube allows us to extend their reach, ensuring that the beat goes on for anyone who has yet to experience their power.” 

The documentary series offers an inside look at the storied traditions, preparation, and influence of HBCU marching bands and their representation of the African American community. Band members, directors, and other notable figures share their unique stories and experiences in the band, as they have been a long-standing tradition and a staple at HBCUs.

To discover more about the National Battle of the Bands, its film series, and related events, visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com. Stay in rhythm with updates and announcements on social media by following @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) and @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

About National Battle of the Bands: 
The National Battle of the Bands’ (NBOTB) mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and their roles in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated over $1.3 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com

About Webber Marketing and Consulting
Webber Marketing & Consulting (WMC), LLC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the largest marketing agency of record for HBCUs specializing in strategic outreach program development, on-site event execution, experiential marketing, and media. WMC provides its clients with focused programs that deliver measurable results, improve market position, and build for future successes. www.webbermarketing.net

SOURCE Webber Marketing

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — BroadwayHD co-founder Bonnie Comley has been named the 2024 Stevie Awards’ Gold Winner for Best Entrepreneur in Media & Entertainment, highlighting her outstanding contributions to the world of theater and digital media. The complete list of winners can be accessed here: Stevie Winners 2024

Bonnie Comley, a three-time Tony Award-winning theater producer and the visionary behind BroadwayHD, the on-demand digital streaming service for theater, has been recognized by the Stevie Awards for her exceptional achievements in the media and entertainment industry. This prestigious accolade underscores her innovative leadership and steadfast commitment to making high-quality theater accessible to global audiences.

The award will be presented at the 22nd American Business Awards® banquet, which will be held on June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Industry leaders will gather to honor the outstanding achievements of America’s businesses and entrepreneurs.

Judges’ Commendations:

Extensive Accomplishments: Bonnie’s illustrious career is highlighted by her success as a producer of numerous notable productions that have graced Broadway stages, earning her three Tony Awards, an Olivier Award, and two Drama Desk Awards.

Dedication to the Arts: Her commitment to the arts and innovative approach to theater have set new standards for industry leadership.

Innovative Digital Streaming: Bonnie Comley’s BroadwayHD has been hailed as a “great digital streaming media company,” which has revolutionized the way audiences around the world experience live performances.

Under Bonnie Comley’s leadership, BroadwayHD has emerged as a pivotal force in the digital transformation of Broadway, offering an extensive library of live and recorded theater productions. This service ensures that fans worldwide can enjoy the magic of Broadway, even amidst challenging times.

Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Bonnie has shown a profound commitment to philanthropy and community impact. Her work extends to various charitable causes emphasizing the transformative power of the arts through BroadwayHD-sponsored events, as President of The Drama League, as a Broadway League Member, and her many educational affiliations.

About BroadwayHD

BroadwayHD, founded by Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, aims to extend Broadway and live theater’s reach to audiences worldwide via streaming technology. The platform showcases the best live theater, capturing the dynamism and creativity of the brightest theater stars and offering it to a global audience.

This recognition by the Stevie Awards celebrates Bonnie Comley’s enduring influence on the arts and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her leadership at BroadwayHD not only perpetuates the legacy of live theater but also sets the stage for its future, making her deserving of this prestigious award.

SOURCE BroadwayHD