If you are a subscriber to the Madison Courier, you probably noticed a very detailed and in-depth article about the upcoming Ribberfest Music Festival, written by my indefatigable colleague Bob Demaree. You’ll find all the info about who’s playing when, what style of music you can expect, and all the other events and activities that surround this well-loved annual event. This column, however, will be devoted more to the personalities and backgrounds of a few of the key people behind the festival.
Jeff Shew is the Event Coordinator/Director and Garnet Tipton is co-chair of the music committee, along with David True. “When I first came to Madison 5 years ago, well I actually live in Hanover,” explains Garnet, but I was initially attracted to the Backyard Barbecue contest that happens as part of Ribberfest. I have some experience with competition BBQ, so I found myself down there joining in the fun in 2021.
“That’s where I met Steve Thomas, and it wasn’t long before he knew my story and he had me pulled in as a volunteer with the larger festival. I’m a former musician and I also had a previous career in radio with Clear Channel company. Anyway, Steve got me roped in, and by the next year, 2022, I was working with Dave Butler and Rocky Harrell on booking the music for the festival.
“I had the honor and pleasure of working with Dave one more year in 2023, and then, as everyone knows, Dave had health issues and that was his last year with the festival. I became a music committee leader back then and now I’m in my 3rd year, working alongside David True.
“Our goal this year is to diversify the line-up a little bit, with maybe a little more emphasis on rock or blues/rock, plus a smattering of soul and southern rock flavor mixed in. I think it’s important that we honor our blues music roots and still find room to explore new styles and maybe attract a slightly different audience in the future.
“Overall,” continues Garnet, “I’m just excited to be a part of the growth and evolution of the festival, and I’m truly blessed to be working with such a great group of volunteers. The other members of the core committee, other than myself and Dave True, are Ricky Harrell and Kim Leach. If you see them out in the community, be sure to stop and thank them for their effort.”
Jeff Shew is a Bloomington, Indiana native, and he was brought in for his professional expertise running music festivals. “I’m in a couple of bands,” explains Jeff, “but my main job is running festivals throughout the year. I’m very honored that the Ribberfest folks would trust me to direct and run this venerable and well-established event, now in its 23rd year.
“One of the main things I did before I even buckled down to start planning for 2025 was to do a lot of listening and see if there were any areas we could make some changes and improve the experience. I think we’ve done a good job of keeping the essence of the old Ribberfest while interjecting some new and exciting changes.
“One of the recurring things I heard was, even though we are billed as a BBQ fest, there weren’t always a lot of options for the patrons to purchase and enjoy. This year we’ve addressed that with 4 BBQ vendors along the riverfront, so people will have lots of delicious choices. The other thing we took a look at was activities and things to do beyond just listening to the music. This year we will have a Vingage Market, a dunk tank and some games, and for the first time ever, a Bourbon Tent where people can really relax and kick back in a sort of classy, luxury area.
“As I said, I work on a number of other festivals every year, but Ribberfest is special. The community support, the friendly and helpful attitudes, and the many volunteers who step up to help make it happen. I see the signs around town that say Indiana’s Music City, and I’d say that’s pretty accurate. This town is built around music, and the people really know how to enjoy and support it.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
First of all, by all means, please YES buy tickets to Ribberfest. We need to support this important local festival. Jimmy Davis and Jordan Wilson kicking things off at 6:00 on Friday is worth the price of admission alone! But that doesn’t mean you have to sit down there every minute of the day Friday & Saturday. As a local, you have the flexibility to come and go if you want, and maybe check out some of the other music happening in town as well. Bluesman Keith Scott is in town for the weekend, and you have two chances to catch him at Mad Paddle. Brother Smith is playing at the Taproom, which is always a red-letter show for me. And the show at the Central Saturday night will be special, with our own Jimmy Davis and Chris Watson playing along with legendary Nashville bassist Jerry Navarro. So get out there … don’t miss one of the premier music weekends in Indiana’s Music City.
Wednesday, August 13
Mad Paddle Brewstillery — Bike Night w/Matt Red Moore (7-10M)
Rivertown Grill — Hippie Fingers (8-11PM)
1st Street Saloon — Open Mic (8-11PM)
Central – Jam w/ Jimmy & Friends
Thursday, August 14
Red Bicycle Hall — 2025 Madison Ribberfest Pre-Party (7-11PM)
Mad Paddle Brewstillery — Keith Scott Blues/Danny Cook & Friends (6:30)
Rivertown Grill — Zach Hackney (8-11PM)
TIKI LIVE! — L&L Karaoke (8P-12A)
The Drake — Ruben Guthrie (7-9PM)
Off Broadway Taproom — Brother Smith ft. Cody Lee Mooney (8PM)
Friday, August 15
Broadway Fountain – Jimmy & Billy (11:30-1PM)
Riverboat Inn — Joe & Deano
1st Street Saloon — DJ Nate
Vintage Lanes — Jazz Trio (7-9PM)
Mad Paddle Brewstillery — Kyra & the Kassettes (5PM)
Mad Paddle Brewstillery — Keith Scott Blues/Danny Cook & Friends (7PM)
Tailgators — DJ Scratchy Karaoke (9P-1A)
Rivertown Grill — Vaguely Familiar (9P-1A)
TIKI LIVE! — L&L Karaoke (9P-1A)
The Drake — Fred Elam (7-10PM)
Bicentennial Park – Ribberfest
Saturday, August 16
Riverboat Inn — Zach Hackney
1st Street Saloon — Hank Haggard & the Tennessee Werewolves
Mad Paddle Brewstillery — Radioface (8PM)
Tailgators — DJ Scratchy Karaoke (9P-1A)
TIKI LIVE! — Darin Wood (5-8PM)
Rivertown Grill — The Stoned Gnomes (9P-1A)
TIKI LIVE! — L&L Karaoke (9P-1A)
Madison Farmers Market — Tradesman Trio (10A-12P)
Central – Jimmy, Chris Watson, Jerry Navarro
Bicentennial Park – Ribberfest
Sunday, August 17
TIKI LIVE! — Dwight Hendrix (4-8PM)
Rivertown Grill — Jacob Ferris (8-11PM)
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