When Cowboy Mouth takes the stage for Coligny’s Rock N Ribs Sunday, October 18, it will be more than another regional act drawn in by this annual festival of smoke and sound. It will be a return to Hilton Head Island for a band who witnessed our music scene at its most legendary.
“We cut our teeth at the Old Post Office. It was us, Hootie (and the Blowfish), Edwin (McCain), (Better than) Ezra. … I remember playing a show there with Jason D. Williams where I jumped on his piano and it collapsed, so he destroyed my drums. It was nuts,” said Cowboy Mouth founder Fred LeBlanc.
Rock N Ribs 2026 will light up Coligny with Cowboy Mouth, Cranford Hollow, and all-you-can-eat barbecue from 3 to 5 p.m. October 18. Only 400 general admission tickets ($45) will be sold, and proceeds will benefit Second Helpings, fighting hunger and food insecurity in our community.
The band has been touring constantly since their initial flirtation with mainstream radio airplay in the late ’90s, developing a devoted following. Informed by their background in the musical melting pot of New Orleans, their music carries strains of notes from Dave Matthews to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with LeBlanc describing it as “if the Clash and The Neville Brothers had a baby.”
Those taking in their first Cowboy Mouth show during Rock N Ribs should know that audience participation is key. For example, you should probably stop by Rita’s beforehand so you’ll have a red spoon handy to throw at the band during their song, “Everybody Loves Jill.” It’s one of many traditions that fans have created around the band, and LeBlanc is all about it.
“I’m the lead singer and drummer, so you can act as silly as you want because no one looks dumber than this idiot on the drums. The idea is to pull something out of people, let them cut loose and forget their worries,” LeBlanc said. “I had a good old boy pull me aside after a show a few years back who told me it was like a gospel tent revival without the religion. I liked that.”
Orchid Paulmeier
Joining Cowboy Mouth in bringing the controlled chaos of the Old Post Office era are mainstays Cranford Hollow, whose live shows are equally famed on Hilton Head. With the rock side of the equation firmly in hand, it will be local pitmasters Orchid “One Hot Mama’s” Paulmeier, Nick “Slowcountry BBQ” Fazio, and Lee “Local Pie” Lucier who will be bringing the heat with all-you-can-eat barbecue during the evening.
“We’re excited because this the only event that showcases music and barbecue,” said Lucier, who also pulls double duty as COO for The Richardson Group, owners of Coligny. “Both are a passion for me and my team, and what better way to showcase them than with a national touring artist to make this the event of the year?”
Rock N Ribs 2026 will light up Coligny with Cowboy Mouth, Cranford Hollow, and all-you-can-eat barbecue from 3 to 5 p.m. October 18. Only 400 general admission tickets ($45) will be sold, and proceeds will benefit Second Helpings, fighting hunger and food insecurity in our community.
To get your tickets, visit colignyplaza.com/events.
Cowboy Mouth