2025 SMOKESLAM ALLSTAR SPOKESPERSON
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2025 SMOKESLAM ALLSTAR SPOKESPERSON ★
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MELISSA COOKSTON
I’ve been privileged to experience the incredible world of competition BBQ for over 20 years, and I’m thrilled to partner with SmokeSlam to share that passion with others,” said Melissa Cookston. “SmokeSlam is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of barbecue culture, bringing together pitmasters, fans, and food lovers alike. I look forward to representing SmokeSlam and shining a spotlight on everything the event has to offer, from the hard work of the World Junior BBQ League competitors to the delicious food served at the Live Fire Extravaganza, the incredible music acts, and so much more.”
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Melissa Cookston was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta and is a trailblazing female food entrepreneur and seven-time world barbecue champion. She is the founder of the nonprofit World Junior BBQ League; the owner of Memphis BBQ Company, a successful barbecue restaurant in Horn Lake, Mississippi; the author of two cookbooks, Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room and Smokin’ Hot in the South; and an inductee into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. Recognized nationally for her many appearances on news, talk, and cooking shows, Cookston served as a judge on season four of Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters and, most recently, on three seasons of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown.
2025 SMOKESLAM ALLSTAR SPOKESPERSON
★
2025 SMOKESLAM ALLSTAR SPOKESPERSON ★
Location
Tom Lee Park • Memphis TN
In Memphis, TN, a remarkable new public park has just opened.
Tom Lee Park fills 30 acres along the edge of the Mississippi River with active, social, ecological, and architectural spaces, and has reframed the city’s connection to the riverfront. The newly renovated site recently underwent a $61M redevelopment and has set a new standard for urban waterparks. In May 2025, Tom Lee Park will continue to host SMOKESLAM that will keep visitors coming back for years to come.
Live Music
Elevate Your SmokeSlam Experience
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy the mix of delicious BBQ and unforgettable live music with performances from a range of talented artists.
Past lineup includes WAR, The Bar-Kays, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage, Mustache The Band, Noisy Cats Are We, Memphis Harvest Band, and Mixtape: featuring Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, DJ M. Walk.
Live Fire & Bazaar
Demos, Free Samples & Celebrity Chefs
Live Fire Extravaganza
Live Fire Extravaganza will be fired up from open to close each day and will include demos and thousands of live fire samples showcasing the talents and culinary skills of world-class BBQ professionals.
The NBBQA BBA Bazaar & Memphis Market
The NBBQA BBQ Bazaar will be open throughout SMOKESLAM and features a wide array of products from celebrity chefs as well as Q&As, products and demos.
The Memphis Market will include more retail options including products from local businesses and other BBQ must-haves.
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