Big Jim’s BBQ & Band Battles…

What more could you ask for? This is great barbecue and great music, all rolled up into one exciting event. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and the entire family and stay awhile.

The 2008 event is May 24 in historic downtown Lebanon. Come early, visit the quaint shops and enjoy the atmosphere. There is no general admission and parking is free.

For more information, call “Big Jim” McMurtry at 270.692.3970 or 270.692.7538 or e-mail bigjims@alltell.net.

2008 Schedule…

Sat., May 24

♥Noon – BBQ booths open and entertainment.

♥3 p.m. – BBQ Battle winners announced.

♥5 p.m. – Battle of the Bands begins.

Big Jim’s BBQ Battle rules…

♥Entry fee - $50. Entry fee must be received by Fri., May 23.

♥Contestants can set up any time after 5 p.m. on Fri., May 23, and all contestants must be set up, checked in and inspected by 10 a.m. on Sat., May 24.

♥Locations will be reserved on a first come, first served entry fee basis.

♥Cooking time can be begin once you are checked in, inspected and fees are paid.

♥All contestants must use USDA approved meat. The meat needs to be left in the original packaging unopened.

♥No pre-marinated meat. The meat will be inspected upon arrival and will not be allowed to be taken off premises once inspected. Once meat is inspected, it can be marinated or seasoned.

Meat Categories:

♥Chicken leg quarters.

♥Pork spare ribs

♥Pulled pork sandwich. Any kind of bread or bun can be used.

♥Beef brisket.

Each meat will be judged by appearance, doneness, taste, tenderness, moisture. The judges will use a 0-5 point system. The total possible score for each category will be 25 points. The contestant with the most points for each category will win a trophy.

The contestant with most points (total possible score of 100), will win the overall title and all entry fee money as the grand prize. The exact amount of the prize will be announced the day of the event.

In case of a tie, there will be a 20 minute time limit for the contestants to come up with their best sandwich and present to judges for a final decision. Sandwiches can be made from any of the meats used in the four categories.

All meat temps must comply with health department guidelines.

Sat., May 24, judging schedule:

♥Noon-12:30 p.m. – Leg quarters.

♥12:20-12:30 p.m. – Judging break.

♥12:30-12:50 p.m. – Spare ribs.

♥12:50-1 p.m. – Judging break.

♥1-1:20 p.m. – Pulled pork sandwich.

♥1:20-1:30 p.m. – Judging break.

♥1:30-1:50 p.m. – Beef brisket.

♥1:50-2 p.m. – Judging break.

♥3 p.m. – Winners will be announced.

Rules for automatic disqualification…

♥Anyone caught taking meat off premises or using meat other than what was inspected.

♥Meats not turned in on time for each category will get a zero for that category.

♥Anyone or team member persuading the judges in any manner - garnishing their meat, using items to mark their meat, etc.

Food Sales…

♥Any contestant interested in selling food and non-alcoholic beverages must purchase a business license from the City of Lebanon prior to contest. You must be able to show license the day of the event. You will also pay the City of Lebanon a $10 fee in lieu of the 2% restaurant tax. License, fees and any information can be obtained and paid from City Hall. You could be inspected by the local health inspector. Anyone selling food will need to be compliant with local health regulations.

Big Jim’s Battle of the Bands rules…

♥Entry fee - $50. Winning band wins $500.

♥Bands will be judged by a panel of three judges on the seven categories listed below.

1.) Musicianship - How well do you play your instruments, sing?

2.) Visual presentation - Stage presence, clothes, costuming, actions on stage, props, etc.

3.) Originality - What makes your band different, unique?

4.) Audience response - How well does the audience like you?

5.) Professionalism - Set up and break down time, acknowledgements, introductions, etc.

6.) Overall entertainment value - How entertaining was your band?  Did you hold the interest of the audience?

♥There are no "rounds" or "finals." Each band gets to play one 30-minute set. Therefore, it is in the best interest of all bands to play to the best of their ability.

♥Bands will be scored with points on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest in each of the categories. For example, if a band scores all 10s in every category by all three judges, the maximum score a band could receive is 180 points.

♥Bands will play according to a drawing held May 17. All bands should have a representative present. Any other info such as set up times will be explained at this time.

Eligibility…

Bands, musical groups and duos performing original music or cover tunes consisting of two or more members, performing live music on stage are eligible to enter. Solo artists are not eligible.

Bands must supply band name, a contact name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and Web address if available, as well as an alternate contact name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and Web  address if available and style of music.

Refund Policy…

♥If band cancels for any reason or does not want to accept assigned spot, the band will be disqualified and refunds will not be issued.

♥If band disqualifies itself for any reason, including incomplete registrations, refunds will not be issued.

♥If registration package is incomplete, we will notify band by e-mail or telephone and give a deadline to complete it.  If band does not complete registration package by deadline, we will consider band withdrawn and no refund will be issued.

♥If Big Jim’s Battle of the Bands cannot schedule a band then a refund will be issued 10 days after the event ends.

♥Failure to comply with the contest rules can result in bands being disqualified. If a band is disqualified, a refund will not be issued.

Directions…

►From Centre Square, drive one block south on KY 55/Spalding Ave. to light (Main St.).

►Turn right onto U.S. 68/Main St. and drive one block.

►Big Jim’s BBQ and Band Battles are ahead on the left.

**Find directions to Lebanon from your town under the About Us tab!

Centre Square is the visitor center in downtown.

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All roads lead to Lebanon, the geographic center of the state and the true

Heart of Kentucky! Call 270.692.0021 or e-mail visitlebanonky@alltel.net

for more information or a FREE Welcome packet.