Rock, Ribs and Ridges 2026
Augusta, NJ – June 28, 2026
Blackberry Smoke – Artimus Pyle Band- Robert Jon and The Wreck
Review and Photos – Rebecca Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawolfconcertphotos/
June 26-28, 2026, was the 16th annual Rock, Ribs and Ridges festival, three days of dynamic Southern Rock music, award-winning BBQ, thirst quenching beverages and camping for those who wanted to fully immerse themselves in the RR&R atmosphere, all in the rolling ridges of Augusta, NJ. Rock, Ribs and Ridges is not the largest music festival but it continues to draw both well-known Southern Rock bands and new Southern Rock artists, as well as a devoted, enthusiastic fanbase. I believe this is due in part to the smaller, cozier, family-friendly atmosphere with its joyful, laid back vibe.
Everything on the festival grounds is easily accessible, even parking, which is a short walk to the main entrance. Food and beverage booths and trucks surround the open field and line the paved perimeter of the grounds, where various merchandise could also be purchased. At the end of the field the expansive stage was covered by a towering canopied roof. There were chairs in the roped-off grassy area, in front of the stage, and another tented VIP section, with tables and chairs, all for those who opted to purchase these tickets. However, for fans opting to attend general admission, sitting outside the “velvet ropes” did not relegate them to being far from the stage or needing to watch on a video screen. Reclining on blankets and folding chairs, some opted to sit beneath the shade of the trees, on the side of the grounds.
The energy and spirit was that of a large (yes, extremely large) summer BBQ, filled with family and friends. Although each year the line-up inevitably changes, it’s the RR&R vibe, mixed with the sounds of dynamic Southern Rock and the flavors of phenomenal foods that has adoring fans returning to the ridges of Sussex county on a yearly basis.
This year the weekend began with Super 70s Rock Show and Almost Queen on Friday evening. Saturday’s bands included, Matt Coffy Band, Matt O’Ree Band, Gary Hoey, Christine “Kingfish” Ingram and 38 Special. Sunday’s performances were Triple Rail Turn, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Artimus Pyle Band and Blackberry Smoke. I had the good fortune to be present for Robert Jon, Artimus Pyle and Blackberry Smoke.
Having had no prior knowledge of Robert Jon & The Wreck, I had no idea what to expect, other than assuming their music would fall somewhere within the realm of Southern Rock. Robert Jon & The Wreck, founded 15 years ago, hails from Southern California. Current band members include, Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards). Beyond Southern California, beyond the United States, the band has performed about the world, sharing the stage with rock luminaries including Peter Frampton, Joe Bonamassa, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Black Crowes and Blackberry Smoke. The band has released 10 studio albums, their latest, 2025’s Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes, well as several live albums, EPs, and compilations of singles, including the May 2026 release of Wreckage, Vol. 3, an album of singles recorded and released by the band during throughout the past year.
It often takes me a bit of time to connect to music I hear for the first time, but I was immediately drawn to the dynamic energy of Robert Jon & The Wreck. The band only performed an eight-song set but those numbers clearly highlighted the diversity of the band. If you’d just heard the first few songs, “Hold On” and “Trouble,” from 2024’s Red Moon Rising and “Sittin’ Pretty” from Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes, it might appear that the band leaned towards a heavier Southern rock sound, with its loud, powerful guitar jams, impassioned rock vocals, and crashing drum beats. However, as the set continued, the energy and sound changed. “Better of Me,” from Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes, opening with a piano solo, showcased an upbeat, down-home, country rock vibe, with a bit of a Southern drawl, while “Arroyo,” from Wreckage, Vol. 3, was a high-spirited, electrifying Southern rock sound, created with fingers flying across guitar frets at lightning speed and impassioned keyboard solos. “Oh Miss Carolina,” from 2020’s Last Night on the Highway, showed the band’s quieter, more melodic side, with beautiful vocal harmonies, which were also on display during “Cold Night,” from 2015’s Glory Bound. As someone who gravitates to Southern Rock, I can have expectations for how I like the music to sound. With Robert Jon and The Wreck all those expectations were surely met.
Watching Robert Jon and the band from side stage was none other than Artimus Pyle, awaiting his performance with the Artimus Pyle Band. As the last surviving member and drummer of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd, the quintessential Southern Rock band, Artimus Pyle and his band have performed for many years at Rock, Ribs and Ridges and are surely one of the fan favorites. In 2026, Artimus is back with a revamped band, including longtime guitar players, Scott Raines and Jerry Lyda (the only original APB members) as well as new members, Thane Shearon, on lead vocals, Barry Lee Harwood on guitar/vocals and Shannon Wickline on keys/vocals.
The high spirits in the crowd rose to the next level as band members arrived onstage, with Artimus receiving rapturous applause as he made his way behind the drum kit. From the opening number, “Working for MCA,” it was clear there was invigorated energy onstage. Having Shearon on lead vocals (vocals had previously been shared by multiple band members), APB now has a more “traditional” Skynyrd lineup. With three guitar players, a bass player, a keyboardist, and Artimus on drums, these seven musical artists created a phenomenal production “Honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd.”
Equally as enthralling as listening to the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd was watching the passion and skill with which Artimus (who turns 78 on 7/15) continues to perform. It’s clear Skynyrd’s music remains a part of his soul and gives him immense joy. This joy was clearly shared by the Rock, Ribs and Ridges audience members, who sang along throughout the 15-song set, which included “I Ain’t the One,” “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Saturday Night Special,” “I Need You,” and the classic Skynyrd hits, “That Smell,” “Simple Man,” “What’s Your Name,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and the set-ending number,“Freebird,” which had all in front of the stage on their feet and singing along at full volume. At the end of the performance, standing behind his drum kit, Artimus raised his fist in the air (a demonstration of strength), before proudly saluting the crowd and demonstrating his military pride, which sent cheers rippling through the crowd.
As the band exited the stage fans were abuzz, filled with excitement for the last performance of the night and of the festival, the much revered Blackberry Smoke. Like the APB, BBS has performed at Rock, Ribs and Ridges on a number of occasions. While there’s no “bad” time or place to see a BBS performance, it’s great to attend an outdoor show and be free to sing, dance, eat, drink and sit/stand as desired. Audience members seated in front of the stage (with no shade or ability to comfortably lounge) were so engaged in the performance they were distracted from the blistering heat. It’s never difficult during a BBS show to get caught up in the exuberance onstage, which is mostly displayed by lead singer/guitarist Charlie Starr. Starr is a consummate performer….hopping, prancing and dancing about. His energy and vibrant spirit appear boundless, amplifying the electricity in the audience. On this day it was no different. Having seen a beachball bouncing amongst the crowd, Starr queried about the location of the ball. Suddenly, orange and white beach balls were being volleyed between fans and up to the stage, where Starr joined in the fun, kicking them back to the audience, as he continued to perform, never missing a note vocally or on the guitar.
While no one twirls and dances about the stage like Starr, each member performed with the utmost passion and dedication to the music, including guitarist Paul Jackson, jamming on his guitar alongside Benji Shanks, with his broad, elated smile (like a child on his birthday), while Kent Aberle’s drumsticks passionately leapt in the air and Brandon Stills’ fingers raced along the keyboards. While bass player Richard Turner remained his generally stoic self, a small smile seemed to momentarily appear, as he performed the rhythmic beats that add a layer depth and texture to Blackberry Smoke’s sound.
It was clear these artists were as thrilled to be performing at Rock, Ribs and Ridges as the crowd was to hear their beloved music. Observing the audience and seeing so many fans singing along, song after song, is always a thrill. And, it’s heartwarming to know not only how much the music of Blackberry Smoke means to their fans but how much the band means as well. It’s not surprising that “Blackberry Smoke Brothers and Sisters” is the name of one of the band’s fan pages. In the 25 years since BBS’s formation, a highly devoted, passionate, enduring “family” has been created and Rock, Ribs and Ridges, provides the perfect atmosphere, energy and spirit for these family members to congregate.
Whether coming to RR& R for well-known Southern Rock bands, new Southern Rock artists, or both, the laid back, joyful, family-friendly atmosphere of Rock, Ribs and Ridges will have you returning for another year of dynamic music, and award-winning BBQ in the rolling ridges of NJ.
Blackberry Smoke – Setlist
Good One Comin’ On
Payback’s a Bitch
Hammer and the Nail
Till the Wheels Fall Off
Let It Burn
Like It Was Yesterday
Waiting for the Thunder
Lay It All on Me
Sleeping Dogs (with “Come Together” interlude)
Sure Was Good
Run With the Pack (Bad Company cover)
Ain’t Got the Blues
Everybody Knows She’s Mine
One Horse Town
Run Away From It All
Encore
Ain’t Much Left of Me
