Morningwood, Jet pump new life into Ribfest (all of you dino rock fans need to get a grip)

 

I'm getting some nasty email for this review, but no matter: Morningwood and JET killed at Ribfest, which was desperate for a hip musical makeover. PORKTACULAR, I SAY! 

Chantal Claret snapshot by Times photog Melissa Lyttle

Whither Eddie Money? Morningwood, Jet kick off Friday's Ribfest bacchanal in St. Pete

Morningwood |MTV Music

For years, the annual Ribfest pork orgy at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg has been soundtracked by a cavalcade of '70s and '80s acts. Think Eddie Money, Night Ranger, Asia, Pat Benatar. But lookee here, boys and girls: This year's beeftacular will be kicked off by the sexed-up art-pop of Morningwood (up there is the video for new song Sugarbaby) and the cocksure Aussie brigade of neo-Stonesian rockers JET. How cool is that?! Don't worry: George Thorogood and Blue Oyster Cult will be there Saturday. And everybody will get their country fix on Sunday with the Zac Brown Band and my pal Suite Caroline . But I'll be there Friday to cheer on the changes. Here's the full Ribfest schedule.