Some of the state’s top smokers are joining forces for a great cause. The newly-formed Illinois BBQ Alliance (which has 14 restaurants and counting) is presenting the first-ever “Autumn Smoke” on Sunday, November 2nd, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Joe’s Bar (940 Weed St.), which will benefit Stand Up For Kids, a national non-profit that gets homeless kids off of the streets. In addition to a regional BBQ dinner from some of the top Pitmasters in our region, there will be a panel discussion as well as a plenty of delicious, slow-smoked beef and pork. Tickets are just $35 ($25 if you’re a member of the IBBQA). Get all of the info here.