Hogs for the Cause XVI

Hogs for the Cause (“Hogs”) is a New Orleans based non-profit that provides financial assistance to families across the country with children undergoing treatment for brain cancer. In addition to focusing on pediatric brain cancer, Hogs forms strategic partnerships with hospitals nationwide to aid families with children diagnosed with ailments other than brain cancer. Hogs currently operates as one of the premier sources of funding for pediatric brain cancer outreach services.

Hogs is a two-day fundraising event in New Orleans. The event is driven by a friendly, but very competitive, BBQ competition that attracts more than 90 fundraising teams from all over the country. The competition is similar to most nationally recognized BBQ competitions, which is why some of the most notable american pitmasters participate. Unlike other BBQ competitions, each team is expected to sell their food to the 30,000 plus attendees to help raise money for the cause.

In addition to selling food, teams participate in the hotly contested Ben Sarrat Jr. cookoff that focuses on four main categories, ribs, shoulder/butt, whole hog and porkpourri (anything pork-centric). The winner is crowned the Grand Champion and is awarded the highly coveted brass pig trophy. Previous winners have ranged from
restaurants, to world renowned pitmasters, to amateurs. In addition to the cookoff, another major draw to the festival is the music. Hogs has been extremely successful in booking many up and comers throughout the years from the southern rock, bluegrass, country and americana genres. These bands entertain on three separate sponsored
stages throughout the festival.

Friday, April 5, 3:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA
Bacon and Wings Night returns for a fifth year of competition with support from Sanderson Farms. Bacon Night, presented by Irpino, Avin, and Hawkins Law Firm, and "Just Winging It," presented by TABASCO®, offer some friendly Friday night competition. Guests have an opportunity to mingle with the pitmasters and teams while they are preparing their meats for Saturday’s competition. Friday’s competition categories are Sauce, Blue Plate Side, Bacon, and Wings. Dishes can be previewed on the Hogs website. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and food will also be available for purchase.

Friday Night Music Lineup:
Local talent and regional favorites will be featured on three stages—HOGS Main Stage, Tito’s Stage and Phelps Stage.

Shane Smith & the Saints
Tanner Usrey
Eggy
The Mountain Grass Unit
The Ries Brothers
Jive Talk
The Iceman Special
Gyasi
Plus, Grace Bowers, Artist-at-Large

Saturday, April 6, 11:00 a.m.
UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA

The Ben Sarrat, Jr. Cookoff:
90+ teams of BBQ competitors, comprised of a mix of some of the region’s top chefs, professional BBQ teams, and backyard cooking fanatics, will compete for the Ben Sarrat, Jr. Cook-Off Grand Champion Title. The Grand Champion is chosen from the winners of the Whole Hog, Ribs, Pork Butt/Shoulder, and Porkpourri (anything pork) divisions. There are also awards for Best Sauce, Fan Favorite, and Fundraising Champion. Patrons may sample food from every team for donations. Bring your appetite and your favorite fork!

Saturday Music Lineup:
Local talent and regional favorites will be featured on three stages— HOGS Main Stage, Tito’s Stage and Phelps Stage.

Band of Horses
The Record Company
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Drayton Farley
Briscoe
Cole Chaney
Yasmin Williams
Chris Christy Quintet
Deltaphonic
New Breed Brass Band
Plus, Grace Bowers, Artist-at-Large