Every year at 8 a.m. on the day of the Jazz & Ribs Festival, Jack “Elmo" Kashner stakes out the same spot under a tree on the north side of the courthouse, facing the gazebo.
Jazz & Ribs is sponsored by the Newark parks and recreation department and is rooted in a tradition that carries on today: love of food and music. “It's a perfect family event. This is the one thing we've fought hard for 11 years -- we want to keep it pure jazz and ribs," said Harry Ballinger, a member of the Licking County Humane Society who helped organize the event.
Ballinger has been a part of Jazz & Ribs for all 11 years and remains a purist in his thinking: No carnival rides, no peddling of wares, no flea market. Just jazz and ribs -- one of the things that sets the festival apart from other events on the Courthouse Square, he said. “Unless you're going to sell jazz and ribs or be a major sponsor, you're not going to have a booth here," he said.
It's a philosophy that has brought Natoma restaurant back to the festival for all 11 years, Natoma owner Georgeann France said. “To me, it's the best event that's on the Square," said France. “Food and music. And that's why it's so much fun. People really love it."
Musicians at this year's festival included Pete Mills, jazz band Honk, Wail and Moan, the New Basics Brass Band and the Pastels Big Band. Eight food vendors also lined the square with enough ribs to suit every taste from saucy to spicy.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
