BBQ Legends Al Frugoni, Thryon Matthews and Gina Neely Return; Musical Guests Big & Rich, The Revivalists, and Shane Smith and The Saints To Headline

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SmokeSlam, ‘The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown,’ is excited to announce both Live Fire and music lineups for the May 15 – 17th festival at Tom Lee Park. In addition to nearly 75 teams competing for the largest purse in BBQ competition history, SmokeSlam promises an immersive experience for the whole family, bringing together world-renowned pitmasters, electrifying music, carnival games and ferris wheel rides, fireworks shows, and an unparalleled celebration of barbecue culture in Memphis.

This year’s festival takes the Live Fire experience, open to all ticket holders, to new heights with a dedicated stage featuring 10 open fire grills manned by BBQ legends Al Frugoni and Thyron Matthews with special guests Logan Sandoval (Zef Daddy), Tony Ramirez (TFTI BBQ), Sunny Moody (Sunny Lynn), and Maciek Zurawski (Grillin With Dad).

“We couldn’t wait to return to SmokeSlam for the second year and we’re going big – and I mean really big – with a total of 12 whole animals that will transform the entire concept of live fire cooking. We’re talking whole hogs, cabritos, and lamb, alongside an incredible array of cuts that will make any meat lover’s heart skip a beat. From brisket and pulled pork to those show-stopping 7-bone Tomahawk Ribeye Roasts, we’re bringing a culinary experience that’s going to be nothing short of legendary. These flames are going to tell a story of flavor, tradition, and pure barbecue passion,” said Frugoni.

This year’s lineup, for all attendees, includes endless food samples, immersive cooking demonstrations, book signings, and unique meet-and-greet opportunities from SmokeSlam’s official spokesperson and 7-time world BBQ champion Melissa Cookston, Memphis local and award-winner John Lindsey (allquedupbbq), trailblazing female pitmaster Erica Blair Roby (@bluesmokeblair), World Junior BBQ League Champion Rae Barker (@thelilgringa), BBQ Hall of Famer Meathead, Kirk Malzer (BBQ Kirk), and the husband and wife duo of Smoke ‘n Magic.

The festival also promises an unforgettable three-day music experience with incredible musical guests performing on the Main Stage sponsored by ZYN:

• Thursday: Headliner Shane Smith and The Saints, with performances by Waylon Wyatt and Mark Edgar Stuart
• Friday: Headliner The Revivalists with performances by Southern Avenue, The MDs, and Jombi
• Saturday: Country music giants Big & Rich close out the festival, with supporting acts Neon Mooners and Cyrena Wages

Southern Avenue announced, “Memphis is home, and every time we get to hit the stage here, it’s something special. We’re beyond excited to bring the energy to SmokeSlam and celebrate a night of raw, real, and soulful music – Memphis style!”

Memphis’s own culinary icon Gina Neely will host the exclusive VIP area providing an unrivaled experience. VIP ticket holders have access to:

• Expedited “fast pass” entrance
• Exclusive VIP Lounge with relaxed seating
• BBQ bites made by top BBQ pitmasters
• Intimate opportunities to engage with celebrity pitmasters including Melissa Cookston, Thryon Mathews, Sunny Moody, and Al Frugoni
• Exclusive bar with premium cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic options
• Two complimentary drinks per day
• Dedicated VIP concierges
• Private, air-conditioned restrooms
• Complimentary WiFi

This year GA ticket holders can upgrade to the VIP experience while at the festival.

“SmokeSlam isn’t just a barbecue festival – it’s a Memphis celebration that brings our city’s incredible culinary spirit right to the river’s edge. We’ve created an experience that’s perfect for every member of the family, from the tiniest food lovers to the most seasoned barbecue enthusiasts. And let me tell you about our VIP experience – it’s going to knock your socks clean off! We’re talking private lounges, exclusive interactions with world-class pitmasters, premium cocktails, and a level of comfort that’ll make you feel like barbecue royalty. This is Memphis doing what Memphis does best – bringing people together with incredible food, music, and hospitality,” said Neely.

Single-day tickets are $35 for GA and $89 for VIP, not including taxes. For more information and to purchase ticket, visit www.smokeslam.com. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Smokeslam

Smokeslam is the World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown, attracting teams from all over the country competing for the largest purse in barbecue history. Smokeslam is more than a barbecue competition; it is a complete experience, bringing live music and barbecue together at Tom Lee Park on the banks of the great Mississippi River in Memphis, TN in May. Produced by Mempho Presents, Smokeslam takes the experience of BBQ to a whole new level. For more information, visit www.SmokeSlam.com.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Stevens
[email protected]
+1 213-200-9638

SOURCE SmokeSlam