Rib-off contestants, sponsors lining up for August’s Jam concert

At least 60 contestants have signed up so far for the first Monroe County Jam and River Raisin Rib Off Aug. 28 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

Ticket sales are moving steady for the Eddie Money concert that will headline the jam planned in the fair grandstand, said Hunter Brucks, one of the promoters and performers at the show.

 “The excitement keeps growing,” Mr. Brucks said last week. “We’ve got two new sponsors and tickets are going well. People are finding out they are cheaper if you buy them ahead of time.”  Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased online at www.startickets.com or by calling (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also being sold at the fair office, S. Custer and Raisinville Rds., and at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St. There is a $2 fee for parking for the jam.  Gates open at 3 p.m.

The smell of grilled ribs will fill the air as part of the rib cookoff contest that will be hosted by J’s Smokehouse-World Class BBQ in Monroe. The deadline for entering is Aug. 1. Registration forms are available at J’s, 2070 S. Custer Rd., or by going online at www.monroecountyjam.com. Each grill team will be given a space that ranges from 20-by-20 feet to 20-by-30 feet, depending on needs. Celebrity judges will be used for the contest that will include a $1,000 first-place prize in the professional division and $500 first-place prize in the amateur division.

Also performing at the concert are Mr. Brucks, Milo Miles DJ, Kaylyn Pace, Don’t Hold Back, Kelsey Williamson, Thunderfunk, Billy Mack & The Juke Joint Johnnies and NBC’s Win It In A Minute between shows.

Meijer Inc. and Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore have joined the list of corporate sponsors for the jam. Monroe Dodge also is holding a “Two Tickets to Paradise” prize drawing for a trip for two to Cancun, Mexico. Mr. Money will draw the winner’s name during the encore for his concert. Participants can register at the dealership or go online at www.monroedodge.com starting Friday for the drawing.

A-1 Auto Center is the other sponsor for the concert.