Ribfest 2025 in Review – Soaring Singers and tremendous talent!
Elkhorn’s Ribfest 2025 was a smoky, soulful celebration of community, music, and mission. While the ribs were a bit underwhelming this year (we’ll chalk it up to a slow smoke), the music lineup was anything but. From yacht rock to blues revival, the stage pulsed with talent all week long — and Reaper Company was right there with One Toad Photography, raising funds and awareness for our local veterans.
Reaper Company and One Toad Photography
All week, our booth was buzzing with conversation, donations, and stories from those who’ve served. We captured moments of connection, laughter, and reflection — and every dollar raised goes directly to supporting veterans in our community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, donated, or shared a hug.
🎶 The Bands That Brought the Heat
Here’s a look at the artists who made Ribfest sing — each one will be featured with a photo or two in the final gallery:
🛥️ Nauti Nauti
Rockford’s own yacht rock revivalists. Think Fleetwood Mac meets Boz Scaggs with harmonies that shimmer like lake water. Their set was pure nostalgia.
🎤 Nathan Chester’s Motown Revival
A finalist from The Voice, Nathan brought powerhouse vocals and vintage soul with his Old Soul’s Motown Revival. Smokey Robinson would’ve approved.
💃 Crooners & Divas Show
Ludy and his Lady Nicole delivered a Vegas-style tribute to legends like Sinatra, Aretha, and Adele. The crowd was dancing, swooning, and singing along.
🎷 Cameron Webb
A blues and soul maestro with roots in Milwaukee and Chicago. His Market Blues Band brought a rich, emotional set that had people swaying under the stars.
🎸 Lara Bell
Northern Illinois’ rising country star. Her honey-smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics gave Ribfest a dose of vintage jukebox charm.
🔥 Freebyrd
Chicago’s premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. “Free Bird” soared, “Simple Man” hit deep, and the crowd was all in.
🎹 The Spectaculars
A family-powered blues rock band with searing guitar, Hammond organ, and soulful vocals. Their original track “Surrogate Blues” was a standout.
🎶 Van Wailin’
A high-flying Van Halen tribute band with serious chops. From “Jump” to “Hot for Teacher,” they nailed the swagger and sound.
🎧 Rival 5
Minneapolis-based rockers with a twist of 80s pop. Killer harmonies, unexpected hits, and a stage presence that lit up the night.
🎸 Rico – Santana Tribute
Afro-Cuban rhythms, fiery guitar, and pure passion. Rico’s tribute to Santana was hypnotic and unforgettable.
🕺 The Cheap Shots
Wisconsin’s party-rock cover band. From Rush to Usher, they kept the energy high and the dance floor packed.
🎷 I Gotta Drive Blues Band
Local blues with grit and groove. Their rendition of “Stormy Monday” was raw and real — a perfect fit for Ribfest’s smoky vibe.
🎻 The Local Group
Chicago-based Americana fusion. Folk, funk, jazz, and soul blended into a set that felt like a road trip through musical history.
🎙️ Karen Shook & the Shakers
South Side soul rocker with roots in blues and storytelling. Her originals and covers alike were full of heart and grit.
🌾 Mackenzie O’Brien Band
Chicagoland’s rising country queen. With over 600 shows under her belt, Mackenzie’s originals and covers brought big-stage energy to the fairgrounds.
🤠 Hillbilly Rockstarz
Chicagoland’s #1 country band. From Luke Combs to Shania Twain, they mashed up country, pop, and rock into a boot-stomping finale
I didn’t get all of the bands that played, so next year… If you’re a band, you want to be showcased on here… All you have to do is call out the 50/50 Raffle for Reaper Company between each songs! We are attempting to raise money to buy land, build a facility, house, feed, and train our veterans!
www.reapercompany.org