Prize evening for pig pickin’ in Somerville

On August 4, 2010, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Mark Alston-Follensbee, Executive Director of the SHC, with Rob Gregory, Redbones co-owner, and John Connolly, Alderman at Large. (left to right)~Courtesy photo

By Andrew Firestone

It was a roasting good time Monday, as Red Bones pulled out the ‘pig rig’ for their 9^th Annual Pig Pickin’ Benefit. Diners drank UFO Beer and listened to the bluegrass tunes of High Tone Ramblers and the Second Lin Brass Band while enjoying the famous delicacies.

Nathaniel Reynolds said he was satisfied with his lip-smackingly succulent rib. “It’s done really well. The bone’s ready to pull right out of it. It’s nice and smoky, you can see the pink coming right through.” He touted the skill of Red Bones chef Robert Gregory, who deftly cleaved the meat off the bone.

Andy Reiner of the High Tone Ramblers plays a mean fiddle. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

General Manager Nick Gregory was pleased with the turnout, which amounted to several hundred on the Davis Square side street, all in support of the Somerville Homeless Coalition. “Every dime, every dollar goes to the coalition.”

Of the old-school forum of the open-pig neighborhood roast, Gregory was ecstatic: “It’s as old as the hills; getting together for some big, smoking barbecue of the animal. That’s all very primitive, that’s in the core of the tribe,” referring to the larger tribe of Somerville. “I think that’s a good thing, still.”

“Proceeds from the Pig Pickin’ were way up from last year and Redbones will be donating over $9,000 to the Somerville Homeless Coalition as a result of the party,” said Anne Cushman “Last year, it was $6,500. A remarkable up tick given the economy.”