What more can you ask from a mostly rainy D.C. spring than a perfect Saturday, rock 'n roll and good food? The 29th annual DC101 Chili-Cookoff answered this question, bringing several popular rock bands, a sold-out roster of 75 chili cooks and thousands of attendees to the intersection of 11th and New York Avenues downtown.
The benefit concert and cook-off for the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area benefited from blue skies and a sold-out crowd. D.C. band The Blackjacks kicked the music off just before noon, followed by Deaf Pedestrians, Chevelle, Finger 11, Seether, Live and Staind. DC101 DJs Roche, Travis and returned Washington veteran the Greaseman took the stage to announce the bands and rev up the crowds.
Chili samples were available throughout the day, and the cook-off itself took place in early afternoon. International Chili Society judge told the cooks that they were the reason for the event -- that "the bands just bring the crowds." And indeed the atmosphere at award time was tense.
The chili winners, as judged by the International Chili Society: Rookie of the Year: Nelson Sievering - Force 10
Showmanship - Krafty Five Alarm Chili
People's Choice - Stewart Habig-Naughty or Nice
Salsa - Amy - SmithICS
Green - Nelson Sievering - Force 10
Freestyle - Patrick Walther-AssburnICS
Red - Jim Parker - Jim's Work in Progress
A special hat-tip goes to event staff and the D.C. Fire Department, who kept things safe close to the stage. And of course the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area, whose staff works so hard to make this event happen, and whose mission makes it all worthwhile.
