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By Travis Gupton

The Selma Times-Journal

Downtown Selma will be rocking all day Saturday when BlackBelt Benefit Group hosts a Rockin’ Rib-off to help in the continuing recovery of Selma from the January 12 tornado.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. Kids under 12 get in free. Tickets can be purchased at evenbrite.com or at the gate. Tickets are $20. There will be Hors D’Oeuvres, Kid Zones, All you can Eat Ribs, Drinks, and Music all day long on two separate stages. Carl Bowline said his hope is that this day will bring some joy and fun back to the city of Selma.

“It’s a huge part of helping the city heal by getting together and experiencing a fun, family-oriented event,” Bowline said. “Great food and live music go a long way to create a memory that we hope helps ease the trauma of the tornado. Plus it’s a great way to get others to Selma for a fun day.”

Fourteen different artists will play throughout the day starting at noon with the Walter Roper Band at Bridge Tender’s. At 12:45 Mac Spencer will kick off the concerts over at Play Selma. At 7 p.m. Dalton Bush will be the last to play at Play Selma but the music doesn’t end there. Big Nekkid Reunion and Rollin’ in the Hay will play over at Bridge Tenders at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

At 4 p.m. the Rib-off for Judges will take place. The winner of the Rib-off will win a grand prize of $1200.

Josh Wilkerson said that this is so important for the community to help get everyone back together and enjoy the community.

“Absolutely! Our primary goal with the Tornado Benefit Concert is to bring the community of Selma back together after the devastating tornado,” Wilkerson said. “We understand that the aftermath of such a disaster can lead to individuals isolating themselves as they focus on recovery. Through this event, we aim to create a sense of unity, solidarity, and support among community members. By gathering together for a day of music, food, and fun, we hope to foster a spirit of togetherness and resilience. The Tornado Benefit Concert serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and by standing together, we can overcome challenges and rebuild a stronger, more connected community.”

The Rib-off is sponsored by the following businesses: KFC, Dentistry of Central Alabama, Mcdonald’s Murphy Family Restaurants, State Representative Prince Chestnut District 67, Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, 100.9 Alex FM, Mark’s Mart, Dave’s Market, The Selma Times-Journal, Alabama Legislative Club, Alabama State Council on the Arts, PalletOne, River Bend Farms, ENT Consultants, Peak Insurance, American Apparel, Hancock’s Country Barbecue, Tallly-Ho Restaurant and Lounge, Dixie Country 98.5 100.1, Blackbelt Hardware and Outdoor, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. James Hotel, Talton Communications, Steward Construction Company, and The SandBar.