Be Here Now: Bands ‘n Beans @ Roaring Brook Ranch, 3/7/10

Up in the north country, the annual Bands ‘n Beans blowout signals the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s also become one of the biggest parties of the year.

The 19th annual Bands ‘n Beans bash takes place from 2-7pm on Sunday at the Roaring Brook Ranch in Lake George. And as usual, at the heart (and perhaps the heartburn) of B&B is red hot chili and even hotter music.

Approximately 50 area restaurants and individuals will be competing in the chili cooking contest this year. (Last year’s first prize winners were Bentley’s Restaurant of Malta in the restaurant division, and the team of Tony DeStratis and Rex Patt in the individual competition.) And as always, each of the 1000 or so expected attendees will sample the entries and vote for their favorites in both the restaurant and individual categories.

While you’re chowing down on your chili – and likely doing a bit of drinking as well – you’ll be entertained by some of the area’s finest musicians who will keep the live music flowing non-stop on two stages all throughout the festivities. Among the featured performers will be Chris Ballini, Phil Camp, Rich Ortiz, Tequila Mockingbirds, Folding Sky, Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, the Stony Creek Band, the Alan Payette Band, Big Medicine and Chain Lightning.

Admission is $20, and tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds from the Bands ‘n Beans benefit will go directly to the Lake George Arts Project.