It’s all about the food and music at the Renzie Rib Fest

By MICHAEL RICHTER
mrichter@yourmvi.com
Renzie Rib Fest concluded Monday night, as droves of local residents munched on barbecue and enjoyed the live music at the annual event in McKeesport.
While folks indulged in ribs, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese and other dishes, The Fabulous Booze Brothers Band played a setlist that included rock, R&B and blues hits on stage at the Lions Bandshell, which culminated the Labor Day weekend musical lineup.
The Booze Brothers, donning apparel similar to The Blues Brothers, made their entrance in the back of a McKeesport police vehicle – which pulled up to the side of the stage closest to Tulip Drive – as the band played “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” the opening track from The Blues Brother debut album in 1978.
Judith Fiez, who is from Squirrel Hill, sat in the shade awaiting The Booze Brothers to perform while she gnawed on a rack of ribs from Robbie’s Ribs.
“Robbie’s is great,” Fiez said.
This was Fiez’s first trip to Renzie Rib Fest, but her husband, who plays tenor sax for the Booze Brothers Band, was present for last year’s festival along with the rest of the group. Fiez wanted to join in on the fun this year.
“They played here last year, and I was not able to make it, but they had an awesome time,” Fiez said. “And I’ve been hearing about it all summer.”
Julie Walker, of West Mifflin, is an avid supporter of The Booze Brothers and had set up a couple of chairs along with her husband under the trees in the field before the Lions Bandshell more than an hour prior the tribute band taking the stage. She has attended many of their concerts throughout the years.

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