Hold on to your hot and spicy—Ribs & Renaissance is back in town!

Returning for a second helping of the fine arts of craft and charcoal, Ribs and Renaissance salutes the first weekend of summer vacation with a tasty feast of great food, art, and entertainment.

Heading up the performances in this year’s buffet is Cajun and bluegrass inspired banjo player Al Caldwell and his Travellin” Black Hillbillies. A self–proclaimed “cultural nomad,” Caldwell plays numerous instruments including the nine–stringed bass and has performed as a session musician in many genres including indie rock and gospel. He’ll be accompanied by his band of gypsies for a rousing concert of diverse sounds from country to soul.

Also, on the menu is the popular Charleston– based Crowfield. De

scribed by the Charleston

City Paper as “atmospheric and romantic Americana /rock,” the band’s popularity has kept them busy touring the country promoting their third, and critically acclaimed, album, “Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long Midwestern.”

Back by popular demand is local Columbia rock band, Toyzz, whose performances of 70s and 80s rock have gained them leagues of fans throughout the Midlands. Also, featured is local restaurateur Barry Walker who promises a little peach cobbler on the side when Fatback and the Groove Band takes the stage. Opening up the day’s performances will be Columbia’s favorite Big Band leader, Gene Dykes, and his Orchestra.

Other performances throughout the day include dance, African drumming. Poetry will be featured in several venues at the festival, which opens at 11 am and runs until 10 pm. Also many local artists will exhibit and offer for sale fine art and craft items and will conduct interactive arts projects for visitors of all ages.

From basket weaving to banjo picking, from indie rock to finger–licking ribs, visitors to the Eau Claire Town Square at North Main and Monticello Road will enjoy a full plate on June 5. For full details, visit our web site at www.eauclairecommunity. org.

Ribs and Renaissance is sponsored by the City of Columbia, the Eau Claire Community Council, Pepsi, the Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, and the Artists’ Round Table.