If you go

What: The Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest featuring a performance by Kellie Pickler at 8:30 p.m. April 9. Popular 1970s R&B group Rare Earth, Tampa-formed Southern rock favorites The Outlaws, nationally-acclaimed smooth jazz saxophonists Eric Darius (who grew up in Tampa) as well as contemporary R&B crooners Lloyd and Tank are also performing. Regional and local artists include The Boss Hawg Band, The Dr. Dave Band, The Mitch Clark Band, AJ and the Automatics and the On Que Players. Of course, in addition to the sounds there will be the sweet, smoky smells of the best rib teams from across the country returning to serve up their award-winning recipes and compete for this year’s top honors.

When: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. April 8, 11 a.m.-10p.m. April 9, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. April 10

Where: Manatee River Fair Association, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto

Tickets (includes entertainment): $5 (April 8); $15 (April 8-9). Children ages 12 and younger are free with a ticket holding adult.

Information: (941) 746-7470 or www.gulfcoastribfest.com.

This story was originally published April 7, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "If you go."