Acclaimed LA Pitmaster Kevin Bludso Is Hosting a Huge Barbecue Festival in Compton

Kevin Bludso of Bludso’s BBQ.

Compton native Kevin Bludso, a James Beard award-winning cookbook author and owner of Bludso’s BBQs (which just opened a takeout and delivery location in Van Nuys on June 15), will host his first barbecue festival on July 26 and 27. Called Smoking Out The Hub, the festival will be held at Compton Airport with a national lineup of pitmasters, food vendors, and a competition featuring local barbecue contenders.

Demonstrations from Zef BBQ’s Logan Sandoval, Netflix American Barbecue Showdown contestant Rasheed Philips, and more will take place, along with food from Moos Craft Barbecue, Austin’s Distant Relatives, Dulan’s Soul Food, and the Goat Mafia. After the first Smoking Out The Hub this month, the traveling festival will also stop in Northern California and Las Vegas (those dates haven’t been announced yet.) A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the 5 Eleven Hoops organization, which provides scholarships to students in Compton Unified School District. Smoking Out The Hub tickets start at $25 for general admission and from $150 to $200 for a VIP seated dinner with a complimentary food pass and drinks, plus a gift bag.

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Gravitas.

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