Barbecue Experts to Share Their Tips and Tricks
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is excited to announce the return of the 5th annual UTIA Smoking School, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in the art of smoking meats while learning from some of Tennessee’s most accomplished pitmasters and several special guests. The UTIA Smoking School is designed for barbecue enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering a unique opportunity to refine techniques, enjoy live demonstrations, and, of course, feast on expertly prepared meats.
This year’s featured menu includes whole hog, brisket, ribs, and chicken wings, with live cooking demonstrations led by Tennessee’s top pitmasters. The 2025 Smoking School will welcome renowned experts George Ewart of Dead End BBQ in Knoxville and Pat Martin of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville.
George Ewart, a Knoxville native and founder of Dead End BBQ, returns for his fifth appearance at the smoking school. He is an established leader in the barbecue industry. His journey from backyard cookouts to national competitions has made him a mentor for aspiring pitmasters. Ewart and his team have earned multiple championships, including the title of State Champions of Tennessee, and have competed in prestigious events such as the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition. He continues to share his expertise through workshops and classes, helping preserve and promote the craft of barbecue.
Joining Ewart is Pat Martin, a pioneer in West Tennessee-style whole hog barbecue. As the founder of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Martin has built a reputation for excellence, with his restaurant being recognized as one of the top 25 Nashville restaurants by The New York Times in 2024. He is also the author of Life of Fire: Mastering the Arts of Pit-Cooked Barbecue, The Grill, and The Smokehouse and the host of Life of Fire, a television series on The Outdoor Channel and streaming platforms. His dedication to traditional barbecue techniques has earned him a national following.
Registration for the 2025 UTIA Smoking School is $200 per person, with a registration deadline of May 15, 2025. This full-day event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Building, located at 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Room 101, in Knoxville.
The event is limited to 100 participants, and no refunds will be issued after the registration deadline. Dedicated parking with required hang tags will be available upon arrival.
For more information and to register, visit utbeef.tennessee.edu/smoking-school. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and enhance your barbecue skills while enjoying a day of great food and fellowship.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.