"The smokehouse is open — keep on smoking," boomed a low voice from a vendor at Smokehouse Specialties, one of the six rib teams participating in the seventh annual Rhythm and Ribs festival this weekend at Raley Field.

"We do a lot more than just baseball," said Nick Lozito, coordinator for the Sacramento River Cats Baseball Club. "We try to use the stadium year-round, especially after the baseball season has ended, to host fun family events, like Rhythm and Ribs."

The Rhythm and Ribs festival, sponsored by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, pits regional rib teams against each other for a chance to win the People's Choice Award of tastiest ribs. Festival-goers can sample ribs from Joshua's Ribs, Smokehouse Specialties, West Sacramento Elk's Lodge, Addicted to Rub, River Cat Ribs and My Brother's BBQ.

The competition is fierce and each rib concessionaire works hard to impress the crowd and make their food extraordinary.

Ron Nelson knows what he wants in a good rib. "The meat has to just fall off the bone," said Nelson as he polished off some ribs from My Brother's BBQ. "It has to be tender. And the sauce has to be good."

But different rib enthusiasts are looking for a variety of tastes. Friends Angela Johnson and Clarissa Alderete could not agree on what sauce flavor was tops. "I go for the smokey-flavored ribs," Johnson said. "No, the spicy ribs have a delicious flavor, " Alderete countered.

Some fans are die-hard loyal to their favorite rib joint. "Joshua's are the best!" proclaimed April Mack, five-time festival-goer. "They are smokey and the meat just falls off the bone."

After sampling the fares, attendees can cast one vote for their favorite rib joint. The rib champion of the People's Choice Award will be announced on Sunday at 2 p.m.

All food and beverage at the event is purchased with food voucher tickets. A single food voucher costs $1. A variety of "rib specials" are available, including a three-bone rib sampler for six tickets, half a rack of ribs for 11 tickets, and a full rack for 20 tickets. For an additional cost, patrons can purchase a rib meal, which comes with a choice of sides such as potato salad or red beans over rice. The non-rib lovers also have a wide selection of barbecue items including pulled pork sandwiches, turkey legs and grilled corn on the cob.

Throughout the festival, 12 West Coast bands will be providing high-energy entertainment. Most of the acts are tribute bands, including Stung (a tribute to the Police), The Rising (a tribute to Bruce Springsteen), Joel: The Band (a tribute to Billy Joel) and Caravanserai (a tribute to Santana).

"I am looking forward to seeing all of the groups," George Gosling announced. "But Caravanserai is, no doubt, one of the best groups of talented musicians that will take the stage, period. They have been together for 12 years and just seem to improve each year."

Friday night, the bands were not a tribute to any certain artist but rather to the best pop and rock music of all time. Savannah Blue opened the event with a revue of Southern rock to get the crowd in a down-home country mood. It's Only Rock & Roll drew a group of classic rock lovers to the stage and brought out the rock star in everyone as they took a musical tour through rock'n'roll. Livin' In The USA finished the night with a compilation of music honoring the United States. All of the bands focused on entertaining the audience and keeping the crowd singing along to the well-known lyrics.

"The music is fun," said attendant Lydia Wbarra. "It adds to the flavor of the event."

For a full list of musical groups and performance times, click here.

In addition to the tasty eats and thumping beats, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Kids of all ages flock to the Interactive Kid Zone, which includes bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses. There are also several craft vendors and local retailers with a wide variety of items for sale such as rhinestone-studded denim skirts, purses, sunglasses, fudge, flavored nuts and espresso. And sports fans can breathe easy: The Miller Light Sports Tavern featuring flat-screen TVs with surround sound and a full bar, will be showing football both Saturday and Sunday throughout the day.

The Rhythm and Ribs festival will continue Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. There is a $5 entrance fee, and children 12 and under are free. Parking at Raley Field is $8.