Credit: Kingsford
Charcoal company Kingsford has launched a new initiative that focuses on highlighting and preserving the contributions Black Americans have made to barbecue, while ensuring they have a prominent place in the future of the cuisine.
With this week s launch of Kingsford s Preserve the Pit fellowship program, aspiring barbecue professionals are invited to apply to an opportunity for immersive training and one-on-one mentorship with some of the top pitmasters in the nation. Winners will also receive an undisclosed capital investment to kick-start their business. As the modern-day story of barbecue continues to unfold, it s important to celebrate those who have made it what it is today, Shaunte Mears-Watkins, vice president of strategy and marketing for Kingsford, said in a news release. The traditions of Black pitmasters helped bring barbecue into the center of American culture, but their
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Equine Art: Artist Michael Brennan’s horse-related works will be featured at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, beginning Feb. 5 and remaining throughout the month. An opening reception with the artist will be held Feb. 5 from 5-6 p.m. at The Brick. Light refreshments will be served. Visit mcaocala.com or call 369-1500.
First Friday Art Walk: Join community and friends for the downtown Ocala First Friday Art Walk Feb. 5 from 6-9 p.m. Various artists and performers will sell arts and high crafts with booths on the downtown square; discounts are available at retailers and restaurants. Call 620-8383 or visit ocalafl.org.
This weekend
Bluegrass and BBQ: Live musical performances by bluegrass musicians Trinity River Band and Pasture Prime, as well as local artisans, will be featured as part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 223 NE Fifth St., Ocala, Jan. 22 from 6-9 p.m. Cash bar and BBQ from Big Lee’s Serious about BBQ food truck will be onsite. Tickets $5, available at ocalafl.org/artpark or 629-8447.
Elvis: Era of a King: This fundraiser concert for Habitat for Humanity will be held 6:15-9 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala. Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath spotlights all four eras of Elvis. Special appearance from Buddy Holly and Ed Sullivan starring George Trullinger. Visit www.habitatocala.org/elvisconcert and https://www.csculturalcenter.com/events/cote-deonath-as-elvis-eras-of-a-king/.
Howard Kelley sat in his SUV just before noon on Friday near an empty parking space off Southeast Maricamp Road. It was the space where one of the Big Lee s - Serious About Barbecue food trucks would typically be serving the smoked ribs he was eager to try. I ve had their burnt (brisket) ends, but I heard so much about their ribs I had to get some, he said.
Turns out, the truck assigned to the location was disabled and customers were directed to the local barbecue restaurant s recently established central staging area and warehouse at 343 NE First Ave., Ocala.