A new festival is set to bring music, barbecue and community spirit to Montrose this fall. Rides Rhythms & Ribs, organized by Our Town Matters, will make its debut at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater on Oct. 4, combining live performances, local food and fundraising for area nonprofits.
The event is designed as both a celebration of community and a platform to support charitable initiatives. Proceeds will benefit three local organizations: Faultless, PEER Kindness and Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.
Tonya Maddox, founder and CEO of Our Town Matters, said the festival is about more than entertainment. “Music has the ability to bring people together,” Maddox said. “When local artists perform for fans who share values of empathy and love, it creates a magical atmosphere. This connection not only raises awareness but also helps shape our community in such positive ways.”
Our Town Matters launched the festival in response to what Maddox described as a growing need for events that create both cultural energy and financial support for nonprofits. “I hope the additional funding from the concert will be a game-changer for local charities,” she said. “This funding is set to directly fuel and amplify the ongoing initiatives and programs that our community desperately need. It’s truly a wonderful opportunity to make a significant impact.”
Music and food at the heart of the event
The inaugural lineup features a slate of regional and local performers: Donny Morales and D&G Railroad, Jean Sandoval & The Town Kids, La Familia Music Group, Neon Sky Band and Schaffer Brothers Band. Organizers said the variety of genres is designed to appeal to a wide audience and showcase some of the best talent from across Colorado.
In addition to live music, festivalgoers will find plenty of food-centered fun. Vendors will be serving barbecue staples, highlighted by ribs and other crowd favorites. A rib-eating contest — described by organizers as “not for the faint of heart” — will test the endurance of hungry competitors.
And for those who think their ribs are the best in town, both restaurants and amateur pitmasters are invited to enter a rib-cooking competition. Winners will earn a trophy, bragging rights and a feature in a local ad campaign.
Festivalgoers can also expect a mix of activities centered on community connection. Event planners say the Rotary Amphitheater, located at Cerise Park, is an ideal venue because it offers both an outdoor concert environment and space for families to gather, eat and enjoy the performances.
Sponsors step up to back community effort
Several local businesses have signed on as major sponsors. TEI Rock Drills, The Glass Doctor, Atlasta Solar Center and Flower Motor Company are backing the event. Organizers say their support not only helps cover the costs of hosting a large-scale festival but ensures more of the proceeds will go directly to the benefiting nonprofits.
“We’ve had great support from our business community,” Maddox said. “Their willingness to partner with us means this festival isn’t just a one-off. It’s something that can grow year after year and continue to strengthen Montrose.”
Nonprofits set to benefit
The three charities chosen to receive funds represent a range of local needs. Faultless focuses on helping families and individuals facing hardship. PEER Kindness promotes inclusion and social-emotional learning for students. Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans provides services and support to military veterans in the Montrose area.
Organizers said the goal is to create recurring funding streams for groups that often rely on grants and donations. By tying a large public event to nonprofit support, Our Town Matters hopes to both raise money and raise awareness of the work happening across Montrose County.
A community celebration
With live music, contests, food vendors, and a shared sense of purpose, Rides Rhythms & Ribs is being positioned as a new signature event for Montrose. Maddox said she envisions it becoming an annual festival that draws both locals and visitors, with an emphasis on showcasing talent from the region.
“The best part is seeing how music and food can bring people together,” Maddox said. “It’s not just about a concert or a plate of ribs—it’s about creating something that lasts, something that continues to give back long after the stage lights go down.”
Tickets, vendor information and sponsorship opportunities are available at ourtownmatters.net.
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
