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View Full Version : A long-winded "Hello" from Memphis, TN (w/ Pics)


msavard
01-04-2011, 09:26 AM
How's everyone doin out there?

My name is Matt Savard and I'm a member of Slab Yo Mama Competition BBQ Team proudly based out of Memphis, TN. We've been slowly gaining steam since kicking off in 2003 at the Memphis in May World Championship of BBQ. Up until now that has been our only event that we compete in (though we host several social events throughout the year)... though I suspect that will be changing soon.

Our head pitmaster currently resides in South Carolina and makes the trek in for events. We've got a handful of other folks like myself who also spend a good pit of time bathed in blue smoke who pitch in given the size and scope of the event in which we participate.

Our primary cooker is a Tucker tow-behind, though we also use a 40' Fully Custom 5th Wheel Double-Decker Trailer that has a large pit on it as well. The Tucker is fairly standard. The Trailer features a 2nd level, Full kitchen w/ stainless prep surfaces, sinks, full electrical. Slide out Awning/Floor for when it gets a little muddy (or we need a little extra space). THe trailer is actually undergoing a full overhaul as we speak...sandblasting, repairs/enhancements, and a fresh coat of high-end paint (used on barges).

Our trailer "Naked"
http://www.slabyomamabbq.com/uploads/GL-1274274923.jpg

THe Trailer dressed for a party:
http://www.slabyomamabbq.com/uploads/GL-1274275012.jpg

We are what you would call a hybrid team. We are there to both cook AND party. I know some frown upon those who throw down, but we feel you can do both with a little practice.

We've landed some decent finishes at Memphis in May including: 2nd Place Hot Wings, 3rd Place Mustard Sauce, 4th Place Tomato Sauce (2x), 5th Place Vinegar Sauce and, most recently, 10th Place Ribs.

Party wise, we tend to be among the more popular tents (Voted Best Team Tent in our Rookie Year) at the festival typically featuring all the elements of a good day on the banks of the Mississippi with friends. Our sponsorship with Bardog affords us copious amounts of beer (20 kegs to be exact). Another sponsorship with Fox & Hound takes care of the liquor.

Daytime at Slab Yo Mama usually consists of Dominos or Poker on the upper deck with a great view of the mississippi:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3740/76/37/547146622/n547146622_1941530_3695475.jpg

Down on the lower level the taps flow, food prep goes on, families mix and mingle, and we have a cornhole tournament on our custom team boards:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3740/76/37/547146622/n547146622_1946862_7861766.jpg
You can see a news crew here filming a game and interviewing a team member:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs322.snc3/28729_392811296622_547146622_4285788_6600477_n.jpg

On Friday afternoon we started a new tradition last year, featuring a trio of the best blues musicians from Beale Street playing acoustic set on our "Back Porch (Lower level of the trailer)" for our guests:
http://www.slabyomamabbq.com/uploads/GL-1274275263.jpg

At night, when the sun goes down, the lights and volume go up as our DJ plugs into the PJ, the lights kick up, and the Taps are locked into the "full open" position.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs653.snc3/32259_392905441622_547146622_4287997_673352_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3740/76/37/547146622/n547146622_1941521_5598612.jpg

On Saturday morning (judging day) things are all business. The team, regardless of the party the night before, is required to be on hand to make the tent spotless and ready for the on site judging that MBN is loved/hated for. Something as simple as a visible cigarette butt or beer can will cost you a point and throw you out of contention for calls.
http://www.slabyomamabbq.com/uploads/GL-1274275626.jpg

Here's a quick shot of us being judged last year (straight 10's from this guy). I am the only other team member inside the tent and I use hand signals to convey remaining time to our lead cook so he knows where he stands in his presentation.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs534.ash1/31309_393431691622_547146622_4298584_1948981_n.jpg

That about covers the basics... I guess I need to throw a picture of myself up here too. This is a shot of me filthy after a day in the pit. Left to Right: My good friend Kerryn (http://www.bravotv.com/make-me-a-supermodel/bio/kerryn), Myself, and my Girl Ruthe.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs657.snc3/32472_427754260085_751640085_5994123_2472490_n.jpg

I'll be around a bit and offering some perspective from the perspective of an MBN participant, judge, and a POV from a team that might party a little harder than some of the folks here. :-D

Big George's BBQ
01-04-2011, 09:56 AM
Welcome

Warthog
01-04-2011, 10:00 AM
Welcome to the Brethren. Enjoy!

Westexbbq
01-04-2011, 10:17 AM
Welcome to the camp,
Matt.
Enjoy.

cmcadams
01-04-2011, 10:25 AM
Welcome... I don't know how many of us are doing MiM, esp at the sponsorship level you're talking. It sounds like a great way to compete!

If you're nit careful, you'll get a load of brethren showing up at your site. :)

msavard
01-04-2011, 10:40 AM
Welcome... I don't know how many of us are doing MiM, esp at the sponsorship level you're talking. It sounds like a great way to compete!

If you're nit careful, you'll get a load of brethren showing up at your site. :)

We have met the Swinebucks guys before... good crew. Not sure who else on here does MIM but I'm sure there are some out there. We have security at night but anyone who wants to come by just contact me and I'll get your names on the list :thumb:

Obviously anyone wanting to check out trailer/cooker or talk shop...daytime Wed (team night), thur, fri is the best option.

Blues on Friday late-afternoon is the highlight of my weekend to be honest (next to calls of course). The guys we have down there are very...very good.

southernsmoker
01-04-2011, 12:15 PM
Welcome...

Divemaster
01-04-2011, 01:00 PM
Welcome to the addiction... Remember, there is no 12 step program for us!!!

msavard
01-04-2011, 01:22 PM
Welcome to the addiction... Remember, there is no 12 step program for us!!!


Hell, who would want one? Rehab's for quitters...

Alan in Ga
01-04-2011, 02:52 PM
Welcome from Ga

deepsouth
01-04-2011, 02:54 PM
welcome. i really miss MIM from when i lived there many years ago.

what kind of music does your dj play? what kind of kegged beer do you guys have?

msavard
01-04-2011, 03:28 PM
welcome. i really miss MIM from when i lived there many years ago.

what kind of music does your dj play? what kind of kegged beer do you guys have?

Yeah MIM is one hell of a festival. It's a great mix of the best BBQers in the world mingling with arguably the biggest party on the BBQ Circuit. When i'm not obligated to help with the pit I definitely enjoy the festivities...

The DJ plays what the ladies in the crowd wants to hear. We'll sometimes have girls from 2-3 tents away coming over and making requests. Typically it's a mix of pop, hip hop, remixes of classics, with a little electronic stuff mixed in. Nothing too ghetto, nothing too "techno'ey"... just a good popular mix that the crowd likes.

The Band on Friday plays a mix of southern rock (CCR, Allman Bros, etc) and Blues (Jimi, Stevie, etc). The guitarsts were:
Kirk Smithhart (North Mississippi Allstars, Hill Country Review, Recipient of the Albert King Award)
Grant Garland : Head of the Grand Garland Band - House band of BB Kings, Las Vegas.
Patrick Dodd (plays BB Kings, Blues City, Rum Boogie on Beale 200+ shows a year).

This is a short YouTube Video of the 3 of them playing Little Wing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKzBqKO7ie0

This wasn't at MIM but was the same arrangement they had at our Tent. I gotta say, with the sun setting over the Mighty Mississippi in the background and the tent packed full of folks, it was a beautful afternoon.

deepsouth
01-04-2011, 04:02 PM
sounds like you are doing it right!

frognot
01-04-2011, 05:26 PM
Welcome aboard Matt!

Y'know, i might need to holler at my nephew in Jackson, TN & check out MIM this year. Looks like a lotta fun.

Rookie'48
01-04-2011, 10:43 PM
Welcome to our crazy little club house!

Hmmm ..... let's see here ..... I've got a BIL who lives in Tennessee ..... might need to visit him someday.

msavard
01-05-2011, 08:08 AM
THanks Alan & Rookie. Definitely shoot me a PM if you guys will ever be down in the Memphis area for MIM (or any other events we end up competing in) and we'd love to have you guys by.

Wampus
01-05-2011, 08:28 PM
Welcome!!!

THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!!!:thumb: