The sound of bagpipes at Roanoke’s St. Pat’s Celebration
March 3, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
So you love the sound of bagpipes! The 2010 Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has got you covered. Here are the current Pipe & Drum Bands scheduled to perform in this year’s McDonald’s St. Pats Parade.
Jamestown (NC) Pipe & Drums
Jamestown Pipe & Drums – their mission is to educate the population of the Triad and beyond to the rich Scottish history of North Carolina through the use of the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Scottish Drums.
Warpipe
Warpipe is a relatively new, exciting, extremely entertaining Celtic Pipe Band based in Roanoke, Virginia. Led by champion piper Burt Mitchell, the band offers unique and powerful pipe music accompanied by highly innovative and energetic drumming.
Virginia Highlands Pipe & Drums
The Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums, based in the Roanoke Valley, were formed in 1983 with three pipers and one drummer. Their sound is as traditional as the MacFarlane tartan they proudly wear.
The Shenandoah Valley Pipe Band was founded in early 2009. The band provides traditional Scottish and Irish pipe music to the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, an area rich with Scots-Irish culture and tradition.
Shenandoah Valley Pipe Band
What would be better than bagpipes and men in kilts? Having a front row seat for the men in kilts, bagpipes with large drums! A day of celebrating Irish and Celtic culture wouldn’t be the same without the sounds of pipe bands filling the air. Be sure to get to downtown Roanoke as early as you can as this year promises to be one of the largest and best St. Pat’s Celebrations yet! The McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade steps off at 11:00am and Celtic Festival starts at 10:00am and continues until 5:00p.m.
It’s all FREE!
Apply now to be part of ‘10 Festival in the Park’s Performing Arts schedule
February 4, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
Be a part of Festival in the Park’s award winning entertainment! Every year Festival in the Park serves as a showcase for the best, newest and brightest talent in our region – and this year will be no exception. These performers, throughout each day of Festival in the Park, volunteer their time to showcase their talents and to help add to the community atmosphere of Festival in the Park. The Performing Arts entertainment portion of Festival in the Park is one of our favorite ways to “Celebrate Arts, Music & Family.”
If you’d like showcase your group’s talent – complete an Online Application – Deadline for applying is March 1, 2010.
Performing arts entertainers are scheduled on 4 different stages, on Saturday, May 29 – Monday, May 31st. We accept applications from bands, dancers, performing artists and other performing artists or groups! EventZone provides sound and technical support and performance times are 50 minutes.
Deadline for Performing Arts Application is March 1, 2010
Here’s what one of our prior local bands tells us about their Festival in the Park experience – Greg Escoe, of Madrone
“We want to first thank Festival in the Park! Our previous performances with your festival helped the band to land on stages at Floydfest and the Millennium Music Conference, also sharing bills with Shinedown, Staind, 3 Doors Down, Theory of a Deadman several times last summer! The band is about to impact rock radio with their new single “Daybreak” and is being courted by major labels…we would love to be a part of Festival in the Park again…”
If you have any questions contact Sarah Stephenson 540-342-2640 x247
Kroger Cabin Fever Series – Bring on The Band of Oz!
January 8, 2010 by Larry
Filed under Music, Our Events
Over 650 fans were on hand Friday Jan. 22 to hear The Embers, and boy they’ve never sounded better! So now that the winter has settled in on us we look forward to The Band of Oz on Feb. 19. Tickets to the Kroger Cabin Fever Series are now on sale and they are sure to warm the soul and cure the winter blues!
The Band of Oz
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets for the Kroger Cabin Fever Series dance parties, powered by EventZone
Don’t miss one of the most popular bands in our entire region The Band of Oz. “Making it groovy since 1970,” The Band of Oz is always a big time Roanoke favorite. Be sure and get your tickets early.
The Holiday Band blends the sound of soul, blues, funk, and Carolina Beach music, into one band of unique entertainment. Join us at the Roanoke Civic Center – March 26, 2010.
The Entertainers are a first timer at the Cabin Fever Series will appear on Friday April 16, 2010! One of the reasons we invited The Entertainers this year is because their range of dance music is so broad – you’ll get your beach music fix, and so much more!
Beach Bands….Oldies….Motown….Soul….It’s a dance party!
You’ve got to love the “new” Embers!
The Embers kick off the '10 Kroger Cabin Fever Series - Jan. 22, 2010
For decades The Embers have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul. Rhythm and Blues became the foundation and essence of SOUL music and the Motown sound, but in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, the name that applies is “Beach Music.” Some believe that Beach Music is simply lyrics that are easy to sing with simple melodies and pretty harmonies that accompany them. Bobby Tomlinson, drummer and leader of the band, believes that Beach Music is music with a memory.
To say “The Embers play Beach Music” is an understatement. After eighteen albums and numerous single releases, THE EMBERS are one of the most popular and active groups in the country. THE EMBERS boast an average of two hundred fifty dates per year all ranging from Toronto to Florida and westward to California, Hawaii and most recently South Korea. Over the years they’ve played for presidents and princes, students and bankers, at the beach and in the city, on record and in concert, for our armed forces and audiences all around the world.
A musical marvel, the EMBERS have survived disco, punk, new wave, and hip-hop and continue to take the stage as one of the most entertaining bands ever to perform. Named North Carolina’s Official Musical Ambassadors, they were inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. They’ve opened for the Rolling Stones, done commercials for Budweiser, performed for the Olympics, President Clinton’s inaugurational ball and created the soundtrack for endless summers. THE EMBERS were involved in a video commercial for the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City where their captivating premier performance resulted in a return engagement for a sold out New Year’s Eve show. Pepsi released a commercial performed by The Embers to the title tune Beach Music from their Beach Music, Super Collaboration Album. In December of 2007 and 2008, The Embers were invited to perform their Christmas program for our troops and their families at various military camps and bases throughout South Korea.
The Embers at BB&T's Party in the Park - July 2, 2009
The EMBERS Beach Music, Super Collaboration (2004) is an album of internationally known recording artists that has received international critical acclaim. This album evokes the best of memories and emotions for anyone who has been touched by the magic of Beach Music and introduces newcomers to the same passion that has made these enchanting melodies one of the greatest music phenomena of all time. Their most recent album, The Show Must Go On was released in early 2008 and was produced by Charles Wallert (George Benson, O.C. Smith, The Main Ingredient, Dionne Warwick, etc.) with compositions by Wallert, (”Brenda”) and multi-Grammy nominee Jimmy George (”I’ll Always Love You”, “Just To See Her”) and the Steals Brothers (”Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”), among others. The first single release, “The Last Time I’m Saying Goodbye”, from the album The Show Must Go On, debuted at number 4 on the UK’s Soulwalking charts.
THE EMBERS of today consist of: Bobby Tomlinson (Leader/Drummer), Wayne Free (Lead Vocalist/Trombone), Stephen Pachuta (Trumpet), David Dixon (Guitar), John Ray (Bass) Matt Kosma (Saxophone), and Rick Sanders (Piano). THE EMBERS are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime.
If you’ve seen their show once, you’ve undoubtedly come back for more. And the best way to see them again soon is at the 2010 Kroger Cabin Fever Series kickoff on Jan. 22, 2010
For complete details and tickets go to the Kroger Cabin Fever Series web site.
‘09 Party in the Park – Live CD is here!
We know lots of the Party in the Park fans trudge through the winter taking road trips to Myrtle Beach and other meccas just to get their summer party music fix. Our Kroger Cabin Fever Series and other area clubs and activities certainly help warm the winter chill. But come late May every year in Roanoke, and for many living in the region, Party in the Park welcomes in the summer and reunites friends like no other local concert series. You can see for yourself, check out the photos and videos from Party in the Park.
Now we’ve got another way to bring back those fond memories from this past summer’s Thursday nights. It’s the ‘09 Party in the Park – Live CD. It’s pack with 18 tracks from all last summer’s Party in the Park bands, plus a few Bonus Tracks. See for yourself.
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This CD is not for sale, but if you buy the Cabin Fever Series 4-Pack you’ll get one free.
SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival
April 24, 2009 by Larry
Filed under Music, Our Events
What a great day for blues and ribs in downtown Roanoke! Over 2,000 enjoyed one of Southwest Virginia’s favorite festivals – and folks came from as far away as Canada!
Stay tuned for what’s in store for 2010 – tentative date is Oct. 2, 2010 It’ll be another “Sizzlin’ Hot Blues and Smokin’ Ribs Fest”. With music and eats sure to satisfy your soul at the Big Lick Blues Festival. Special thanks to SunTrust Bank for their continues support of this great festival.
Watch the 2009 SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival – Recap video – on YouTube
Performing in Roanoke – powered by EventZone!
During all our events and festivals, EventZone hosts tons of national, regional and local artists each year. And we’re pretty good at creating videos for all the world to see. Watching them is not as good as seeing it live, but they sure are fun!
The music is great and the crowd loves the camaraderie and the groove. Take a look at a few here or visit the EventZone YouTube Channel. Remember to add your comments ! Thanks.
Jim Quick and Coastline
The buzz is on about Coastline. With their legions of fans known as Coastline Crazies, the band travels all over performing more than 300 shows per year. Coastline is one of the most sought after acts on the road today – get ready Roanoke it’s “Coastline-time.”
We’ll plan on inviting Jim Quick and the boys back again in 2010 at least once, and maybe more.
Listen to the Coastlines:2009_Coastline-Medley.mp3
Watch Jim Quick & Coastline at 2008 “Party In The Park”
Band History
Mark Twain once said, “A Southerner talks music.” If this is true, Coastline speaks in volumes. An eclectic blend of soul, blues, beach and rock has produced the sound known as Coastline. From hard driving Carolina back beats, to Georgia southern rock, from Cajun inspired grooves, to Texas and Delta blues; Coastline truly defines the sound of historical Southern music. With finesse, the pure forms of southern music are transformed into a modern contemporary art form.
The inimitable vocals and humorous antics of lead singer Jim Quick are captivating and a perfect hybrid of every essence of soul. He has won more accolades than any other entertainer at the Carolina Music Awards. Guitarist, Casey Meyer is the blues boy in the band. Although the youngest member of Coastline in regard to age, Casey slides on his guitar with the confidence and grace of his many adored older mentors. His partner in crime, Albert Rogers on bass, comes to Coastline via The Band and Grayson Hugh not to mention Albert’s a great singer in his own right. The multi-talented Glen Tippett rounds out this perfect culmination of musicians. This virtuoso is a highly trained saxophonist and keyboardist and completes this unique sound of the south.
Finn’s Fury at Celtic Festival
This ain’t your grandma’s Irish music! Take a traditional Celtic sound, add rock, some blues, just a dash of punk, some major attitude, lyrical vocals and a hard wall of sound, mix in a little infinite possibility, and you get Finn’s Fury: Music that puts a twist in your kilt!. What makes this band unique is its improvising ability. Instrumental jams and a raw edge of unpredictability are a trademark.
Finn’s Fury boasts a solid and impressive group of musicians who have performed with a who’s who of national bands – including Black 47, Dropkick Murphy’s, Josh Groban, Flyleaf, Ninedays, Taking Back Sunday, and many more. Calum Pasqua, Finn’s Fury’s fiddle player, has gained a national and international fan base by winning these recent Fiddle competitions:
2008 Fiddler to the Marquis of Huntley
2007 Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship
2007 New England Regional Championship
2007 Celtic Classic Championship
Finn’s Fury Medley (mp3)
Trust us…You do NOT want to miss either of Finn’s Fury’s sets at the HomeTown Bank Celtic Festival! and the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Roanoke
The Tams Motown Music
To hear it, you might think you just stepped into Motown. To breathe it, you smell a tropical breeze. To feel it, you let the rhythm grasp your body and whirl it into motion. To see it, is like an extravaganza of light and energy. But to experience it, you must say it …. “I want THE TAMS”!!
Join us at the Star City Beach Music Festival in Elmwood Park!
The Tams have had four #1 songs at the national, and international levels, as well as one major regional hit:
- What Kind of Fool – #1 R& B / #6 Top 40 (1963) -
This was The Tams first national hit record, bringing them into the households of millions through a tremendous amount of airplay. - Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy – #26 Top 40 (1968) -
This song is The Tams’ greatest US Chart success, selling over 1,000,000 copies and becoming their only RIAA Certified Gold Record single. - Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me – Three weeks at #1 in England (1971) One of three UK chart hits for The Tams, this ABC/Dunhill records release also has the distinction of being the the #1 song of year in the UK. Walkin’ Dr. Bill – Officially recorded by “The Tams (with G.C. Cameron),” this was a duet with the former lead singer of The Spinners singing much of the lead. CHarles Pope, Lil’ Red Cottle and the rest of the Tams provided lent excellent background vocals to the song. This heavily R&B-flavored but dancable song sat at #1 for almost a month on the Rhythm-and-Beach Top 40. “Walkin’ Dr. Bill was #1 in the Summer of 2000 and won “Song of the Year” at the 2000 CAMMY Awards.
- I’ve Been Hurt – Although never on the charts, “I’ve Been Hurt” was most likely the biggest regional hit ever (based on sales and airplay) prior to 1980. To show the importance of regional sales and airplay, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs have an RIAA Gold Record for Maurice’s song “May I” that never made the Billboard Top 100. Many radio stations and DJs consider “I’ve Been Hurt” to certainly be the biggest selling and most played Tams EVER, even though it was primarily popular in the southeast (and not recognized as a national hit by Billboard).
The Tams History: This US group was formed in 1952 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Tams were formed in Atlanta, GA in 1962. It’s members were Joseph Pope and Charles Pope (founders), Horace Key, Floyd Ashton, and Robert Lee Smith. In the beginning, they sang and danced as a way of having fun and to escape their circumstances, hoping to make at least a little money. The group began performing in local night spots for $1.25 each. These small wages only allowed for them to purchase matching Tam O’shanter hats to wear while on stage. From this trademark, the legendary Tams name was born.
The Tams hard work, patience and perseverance eventually paid off when they were signed to Arlen records and had their first Billboard hit in 1962, the single “Untie Me”, which was number 12 on the R&B chart. In 1963, ABC Records signed them and their first album produced a Top Ten hit, “What Kind of Fool”. They began playing throughout the country and a string of hits followed. These included “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Hey Girl”.
Since then, they have released over 15 albums and been honored with one Platinum and two Gold records. They have toured and recorded with Jimmy Buffet and performed with such greats as Gladys Knight, Jackie Wilson and many more. They have received the title “Beach Band of the Decade” and have been inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame.
The Tams are still recording today and have recently released their latest singles “My Main Squeeze” and “This Love Will Last” from their newest CD The Tams Comin’ At Cha’.
The current members include Charles Pope, his son Li’l Redd, Robert Arnold, Reginald Preston and Greg Gallashaw. Despite the unfortunate passing of “The Legendary Joe Pope”, The Tams have continued to be as popular as ever. Forty two years after the group’s formation, Charles and Li’l Redd continue to lead The Tams toward success. Fans clamor to see Charles Pope – Living Legend, and Li’l Redd – Fastest Feet in the South! And with a new generation of “Little Tams” coming along, Charles puts it best when he says “The Tams will NEVER die” !!
