I don’t delve into country music very often, but we got a great weekend in store for all of you BBQ lovers, country music lovers, and for those of you that love both. The Windy City Smokeout is once again taking place alongside the Chicago River on Friday July 11th to Sunday the 13th and has a star-studded sonic lineup for your listening pleasure as well as your taste buds.

Lettuce Entertain You has put together a solid group of artists to liven your soul and keep your feet dancing through the whole weekend. With headliners such as Brett Eldridge, Randy Rogers Band, and the Eli Young Band capping it off on Sunday it will be quite the party.

Want to see what we’re talking about? Check out the recap from last year:
 

 

There will be great country music all weekend long, but Friday evening brings Brett Eldridge to the stage. One of my favorite country artists, Brett will be bringing the fun along with the hard working Shawn Lacy who performed roughly 250 shows last year. I’m also excited for Clayton Andersen, who performs Saturday, as I always enjoy supporting local Midwest talent.

As if the first two days wasn’t enough, I’m really looking forward to the Sunday lineup as well, as I’m a big fan Chase Rice. Not only does he play kick ass music, he also lives his life the way we all should. He was a starting linebacker for the University of North Carolina, part of a NASCAR pit crew, and, oh yeah, a country singer. With opening acts that sell out all across the country as well, there will be no shortage of quality tunes to listen to while your food coma sets in.

Keep scrolling to see the full lineup and make sure to get your tickets while they’re still available here.

And now for the buffet line – my mouth is watering just reading through them. There will be four representatives from across state lines bringing you the best from around the US. There will also be four hometown favorites serving up some of the best BBQ Chicago has to offer. I plan on making the weekend a competition for my stomach: figuring out who has the best smoked chicken wings, brisket, and my favorite baby back ribs. So I challenge you guys to do the same and we can compare after the fest!

Here is my criteria – I’ll be rating 1-5 piggies on each of these categories: sauce, texture, flavor, presentation, and overall satisfaction.

I can personally vouch for Chicago Q and Bub City as awesome BBQ joints, so I am extremely excited to get a taste from the other participants and getting to meet the Pitmasters.

Check out the official website to snag your tickets to meet and greet with your favorite Pitmasters during a special brunch on Sunday where each Pitmaster will contribute a dish – sounds like heaven to me.

Sunday Brunch Menu

· Chicago Q: Smoked Corn and Black Bean Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette
· Dinosaur BBQ: BBQ Beans
· The Salt Lick: Sausage
· Pappy’s: St Louis Ribs
· Lilly’s Q: Baby Back Ribs
· Smoque: Sausage
· Bub City: Brisket
· Myron Mixon: Pulled Pork

Additional items and features include: Corn bread, Biscuits, Country Gravy, Cheddar Cheese Scrambled Eggs, Cinnamon Buns, and Sticky Buns. Oh, and did I mention Bub City’s Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosas, and La Colombe Coffee?

Yeah, this is what summer is all about! Hope to see some of you there, as we will be covering the festivities all weekend long.
 

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