Memphis vs. Durham Barbecue Taste-off at DPAC

It only seems right that DPAC, Durham's celebrated performing arts center, and the area's renowned BBQ community would team up for a perfect pairing of local flavor. With the opening of Memphis the Musical, Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical,  DPAC is hosting a barbecue event prior to Thursday’s show to give Triangle residents and show attendees the fun opportunity to taste test local barbecue in a friendly competition between our familiar NC barbecue and the more western Memphis style.

Three local Triangle establishments, Old North State BBQ, Melvin Backyard BBQ Pit, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, will offer $10 plates that feature both styles of BBQ. Food will be sold on the sidewalk of Vivian Street, directly in front of DPAC. This event will be open to the public and attendees of the show are encouraged to partake of this special dinner prior to the show. Guests with tickets to the show will be able to enter the main lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. with their food, before the show starts at 7:30 p.m. All three restaurants will offer regular menu options in addition to the special plates.

A percentage of all proceeds from the special event will benefit the Durham-based nonprofit KidZNotes. KidZNotes is an El Sistema-inspired nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that fights poverty and encourages positive decision making by instructing and engaging children in classical orchestral music. KidZNotes aims to improve children’s musical performance, to develop values that contribute to success at school and in society, and to promote children’s and families’ engagement in program and community activities.

Tickets for Memphis the Musical are still available and can be purchased online.