Other Rib-Off highlights

Two-thirds of the musical entertainment for this year's Northwest Ohio Rib-Off Thursday through Sunday has a distinctively southern flair.

On Thursday the Marshall Tucker Band will bring their classic southern rock sound to the Lucas County Fairgrounds and on Friday it's country hit maker Phil Vassar. On Saturday, Detroit rocker Ted Nugent will perform.

The Marshall Tucker Band was a radio staple in the 1970s and along with the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, and the Charlie Daniels Band was at the forefront of the burgeoning southern rock movement.

The only original member left in the band is lead singer Doug Gray. Founding guitarist Tommy Caldwell died in a car accident in 1980 and other founding members Toy Caldwell, Jerry Eubanks, George McCorkle, and Paul Riddle all retired.

The band had several major hits in the 1970s, including "Heard It In a Love Song," "Can't You See," "Take the Highway," and "Fire on the Mountain."

Tickets for the Rib-Off on the day of the Marshall Tucker Band show are $5 in advance, $7 at the gate, and $15 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets give holders access to a fenced-in area in front of the stage with seats, a beverage sale area, and portable toilets that will be accessible to VIP ticket holders only. General admission tickets allow you into the Rib-Off and to see the show; you do not pay extra for the concert.

Vassar is a country road warrior who plays all over the world on his frequent tours. His first album was released in 1999 and he's scored a number of hits since then, including songs for artists such as Alan Jackson ("Right on the Money"), JoDee Messina ("Bye Bye," "I'm Alright"), and Tim McGraw ("For a Little While").

Among his own hits are "Carlene" from his self-titled debut album in 2000, the No. 1 "Just Another Day in Paradise," and "Six-Pack Summer."

Tickets for the Rib-Off on the day of Vassar's Friday concert are $7 in advance, $10 at the gate, and $20 for VIP tickets. General admission tickets allow you into the Rib-Off and to see the show; you do not pay extra for the concert.

The Rib-Off will feature local and national ribbers featuring their award-winning food at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St. in Maumee.

Hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. until midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday is CedarCreek Church Day and admission is free.

Admission, which also allows you to attend the concerts on Thursday, is $5 in advance and $7 at the gate; on Friday it is $7 in advance and $10 at the gate, and Saturday it is $8 in advance and $10 at the gate.

Tickets are available at The Andersons outlets, Tireman outlets, the Stranahan Theater box office, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

In addition to food and music, the Rib-Off will feature kids' activities, vendor booths, beer and drinks, amusement park rides, Ultimate Air Dog shows, and a variety of fun activities.

Information: 419-724-6380 or mmori@toledoblade.com.