Rhythm and Ribs
Arizona's Original Ribs Cook-off and Concert
The City of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley are no longer just a pit stop for tourists between Sedona and Jerome. Cottonwood, behind the historic old west and in front of the Arizona wine business, has become an attraction of its own. With the recent addition of events like Rhythm 'n Ribs, people from all across the state have a reason to come and see what the Verde Valley has to offer year-round.
Historic Old Town Cottonwood was once called the "biggest little town in AZ". Bootlegging and businesses supporting the mining town of Jerome were at the core and it is believed that the likes of Al Capone, whose name is still etched in the Old Town Jail, made it to Cottonwood to bail out a companion. The Verde Valley wasn't all miners and lawbreakers, the proximity of the Verde River and ability to maintain agriculture to the markets in Jerome and Camp Verde gave Cottonwood life as well.
Even today The Verde Valley looks to alcohol as a means of economic development, only now in a law abiding fashion. Boasting 4 local wineries and 10 tasting rooms (4 in Old town Cottonwood alone) the Verde Valley has been called the "Sonoma Valley of the Southwest". Not only is there wine but the Verde Valley also has Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and both Montezuma and Tuzigoot National Monuments.
Rhythm 'n Ribs has become the flagship event for the City of Cottonwood bringing national entertainment and a world class rib competition to the Verde Valley. The evolution of the event has been enormous but has never wavered away from the name and people still know they are getting "Rhythm and Ribs".
From humble beginnings in 2006 the inaugural event was held on the softball fields at Riverfront Park, packing the venue to capacity at an estimated 3,000 people were local bands and vendors creating a calling for a much bigger setting and a want for bigger acts.
In 2007 R&R moved to its current location at the Cottonwood Kids Park off of 12th St. where soccer fields are turned into a massive concert and ribs venue. R&R was able to attract the Marshal Tucker Band and over 5,000 people participated in the rib tasting and sang along to "Heard it in a Love Song".
With the success of the Marshal Tucker concert the City of Cottonwood again decided to find a national act, resulting in Blue Oyster Cult coming to Cottonwood. Even an unseasonably chili night couldn't keep the rib competition from being hot and crazed fans shouting "We need more cowbell!"
R&R 2009 saw big changes, with the national recession in full swing the rationale behind hiring another national act was just not there. Instead the event was pushed to two full days and covered by an array of regional and local acts. The City of Cottonwood was very fortunate to be able to continue this event and give the people of the Verde Valley high entertainment value for little cost.
2010 proved again that less can be more and R&R was back to one day and back with a national act from Tempe, , the Gin Blossoms. The Arizona band was able to kick off their nationwide tour close to home and came up to Cottonwood as they had just launched their 5th album. "Hey Jealousy", "Found out About You" amongst others brought folks from all around the state to the latest addition of R&R.
It all brings us to 2011 where once again the stakes have been raised and two national acts will be coming to Cottonwood. Shooter Jennings and Troy Olsen will be rocking the stage in the country themed 2011 edition on October 1 at the Cottonwood Kid's Park. Beer sales will benefit the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce and as always, tickets include three free rib samplings and your ticket will double as your ballot to vote for your favorite ribs.
Who would have thought that Cottonwood, AZ would play host to some of the biggest names in the music industry and have a well-respected rib competition to coincide with it?
These groups did: Cottonwood City Council, Community Services General Manager Richard Faust, Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, Budweiser, Pepsi.