Now's the Time: Rhythm & Ribs

Late-breaking news: Plastic Sax has learned that Patti Austin canceled due to illness. She's being replaced by Jonathan Butler.

Let's get this straight right up front- Rhythm & Ribs is not a jazz festival. As Gregory Carroll indicates in Joe Klopus' preview in today's Star, it's a very eclectic bill. I hope the "something for everyone" gambit pays off.

I've linked to a video of every main stage artist. Check the festival's site for the second stage schedule.

Friday, 5:00
Kansas City favorite Ida McBeth opens the main stage. (By the way, can someone please shoot a decent video of her performance? I'm grateful for what little is up at YouTube, but this clip doesn't capture Ida's essence.)

Friday, 6:30
Fourplay is in vogue with crate diggers searching for hip hop samples. I'm not among them.

Friday, 9:30
As seen here, Angie Stone is a fine soul singer in the tradition of Shirley Brown and Betty Wright.

Saturday, Noon
Alaadeen gets things started Saturday.

Saturday, 1:15
The festival's most intriguing booking is Louis Hayes and his exciting band. Here's a live performance from 2007.

Saturday, 3:30
Oleta Adams' "Get Here" sounds better with each passing year.

Saturday, 5:30
"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"- Robert Cray will be playing under the sun.

Saturday, 7:30
Jonathan Butler is Patti Austin's last-minute replacement. He covers "No Woman, No Cry" in the video above.
Patti Austin describes her approach on the early '80s hit "Baby, Come To Me" in Joe Klopus' feature story on the vocalist. The video is above.

Saturday, 9:30
Get out your "Dukey Stick" for George Duke.