“The most exhilarating and authentic show from Ireland in decades…” kicks off the ‘12 Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
December 15, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
The you
ng and enormously talented lads & lasses of Celtic Crossroads made their Roanoke debut last year, and boy did they wow the audience! This year they are back with their newly updated World Fusion To
ur show which adds an additional dancer and new twists. The show is presented by Jefferson Surgical Clinic and kicks off this year’s Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and is scheduled for Friday March 16, 2012 at 8:00pm at Jefferson Center’s beautiful Shaftman Hall Theater. Tickets are on sale now, and make great Christmas gift ideas – see this web site for details.
Celtic Crossroads presents Irish music like never before, set to do to Irish music what Riverdance has done to Irish dance. With the recent release of their “World Fusion” DVD
(in partnership with PBS) Celtic Crossroads is taking the US by storm! This is not a performance to be missed!
Celtic Crossroads © is critically acclaimed as ‘the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades – not to be missed’. It is an explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz whilst pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Spontaneous mid 
show ovations are the norm, and enraptured Celtic Crossroads audiences are always compelled to shout, and SHOUT for more.
PLUS, as a special St. Patrick’s Day treat, the Virginia Highlands Pipe & Drum Band will perform to open the show. The Virginia Highlands Pipes & Drum Band, based in the Roanoke Valley, was formed in 1983 with just three pipers and one drummer. Their sound is as traditional as the MacFarlane tartan they proudly wear.
It’s all part of the 2012
Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which of course includes the award winning McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade, and the Roanoke Celtic Festival, featuring Roanoke’s legendary Celtic group Second Wynde, on Sat. March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!). So break out the green and get ready to “Get Lucky!”
Craig Woolard Band, The Embers & Band of Oz – will warm you up!
December 1, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Music, Our Events
After the
hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over and the cold winter weather sets in; we will just be heating things up with our Kroger Cabin Fever Series starting Friday, January 20, 2012 with the sizzling sounds of the Craig Woolard Band. After several crowd-pleasing appearances at BB&T’s Party in the Park, we’re excited to welcome back one of the best voices in the Carolina Beach music scene and winner of the 2011 CAMMY Awards “Best Male Vocalist” !
If you’ve seen their show once, you’ll undoubtedly want more! The classics and The Embers never go out of style. An evening of dancing to The Embers at the Kroger Cabin Fever Series is just what the doctor would order for those cold February nights! So mark your calendar now for Friday, February 17th to hear this legendary beach and
party band!
And last but not least, The Band of Oz, winners of the 2011 CAMMY Awards “Group of the Year,” will be closing out the Cabin Fever Series on Friday, March 9th! They boast countless Cammy’s for “Best Group,” “Best Album,” “Song of the Year,” and were inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 1997.
Don’t wait to purchase your tickets, if you plan to come to all three, go ahead and buy your 3 pass, that comes with a complimentary CD of highlights from 2011 BB&T’s Party in the Park. You can’t buy this CD, so don’t pass on this amazing deal! What a great gift to give to someone special! To purchase tickets, click here!
BB&T’s Party in the Park closes another successful season
November 17, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events, Volunteers
Each year EventZone and BB&T put together a wrap-up event to thank all of the non-profit partners, volunteers, sponsors and BB&T employees who help out throughout the summer. BB&T’s Party in the Park tak
es place every Thursday in Elmwood Park, beginning in late May and ending in early September. EventZone would like to take the time to recognize our non-profit partners, who provide volunteers at our summer concert series. Feeding American Southwest Virginia, Virginia Amateur Sports, Roanoke Children’s Theater, Roanoke Area Ministries and Historical Society of Western Virginia were the five non-profits selected for the 2011 season. Each week patrons who come out to enjoy the sounds of summer are helping these local non-profits raise money for their various organizations. EventZone was able to donate over $10,000 total to these organizations this year! Thank you to all of the non-profits, sponsors, volunteers and most importantly, the Party in the Parkers who came each week to hear their favorite bands! We are looking forward to another successful season starting May 24, 2012!
If you are interested in applying for the 2012 Party in the Park season, you can visit our website at www.PITP.org and fill out the application. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Sarah Stephenson at sarah@eventzone.org or by calling 540-342-2640×247.
Historical Society of Western Virginia
Roanoke Area Ministries
Roanoke Children's Theater
Feeding America Southwest Virginia
Virginia Amateur Sports
Get ready for Grammy winning blues & smokin’ ribs – Sat. Oct. 1
September 14, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Music, Our Events
As the summer is winding down and fall festivities begin, make sure you’ve got one of Roanoke’s Best Festivals marked on your calendar. The fifth annual SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival will take place on October 1, 2011 in Elmwood Park
downtown Roanoke.
This year we’ve got an award winning musical line up in store. Three time Grammy winner, Delbert McClinton is back to headline this rockin’ blues festival and he’s not coming alone! As members of Texas R&B/country Delbert McClinton’s band, the musicians of Dick50––Steve Mackey, Kevin McKendree, Rob McNelley, Lynn Williams will be sharing the stage with the soul legend. SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival is thrilled that we were included in one of the few U.S. shows that Bernard Allison has scheduled this year. Bernard Allison totes the same smokin’ six string shooter that his late father Luther Allison assaulted the blues with. And he is blessed with his father’s soulful voice, spiritual devotion, and a musical freedom which experiments with the blues.
As if thes
e tremendous national acts weren’t enough, a local legend, The Fat Daddy Band will grace the stage at BLB. Since 1995, The Fat Daddy Band has been delivering what many call exceptional Blue Ridge blues to the Roanoke Valley and beyond. This band’s success has allowed them to open for headliners such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Train, Susan Tedeschi, and the legendary Nighthawks! To start this day of fantastic blues music, from early funk, blues, rock and soul, Skinny Velvet will be sure to get you on your feet and groovin’ to the smooth sounds of your favorite blues tunes. Who is Skinny Velvet? That’s a great question that is not easily answered. As a man, Skinny is an enigma….a dark, southern, musical mystery. As a band, Skinny Velvet is the brainchild of four of the Carolina’s most talented and determined troubadours! Skinny Velvet was conceived from several of North Carolina’s finest groups. These boys have toured the U.S. in their well respected bands for years and now come together 
to make one of the strongest line-ups around!
The music is not the only award winning aspect of this festival- what goes hand in hand with blues music? Mouth watering ribs- not only mouth watering but award winning! That’s right; we’ve got your favorite rib vendors back again to battle it out for the bragging rights of best rack in town! It’s not just the familiar veterans such as Martin’s Downtown Grill, Blue 5, Thelma’s Chicken & Waffles and Bastians.; there are some rookie competitors stepping up this year! And for those of you with a competitive edge yourself; be sure to sign up for the popular 
Martin’s Rib Eating contest. This festival is sure to leave you with a full stomach and a satisfied soul!
The 5th annual SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival kicks off at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 1. Music begins at 2:15pm with the winner of the Blue Ridge Blues Society competition, Skinny Velvet. And in case you’re wondering how you are going to be able to catch the game and enjoy all this event has to offer- we thought of that too! We will have a game day area with a big screen showing college football as well as all your favorite tailgate games brought to you by Tailgaters United! Tickets are $24.00 in advance and if you’re a SunTrust customer, it’s cheaper than that! Tickets are available at all local SunTrust branch locations as well as online at 
www.BigLickBlues.org
The ‘11 BB&T’s Party in the Park finale – Thurs. Sept. 15!
September 9, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
It’s the conclusion of Roanoke’s award winning Thursday night concert series – BB&T’s Party in the Park. As we like to say, “It’s Where Your Friends Are on Thursday 
Nights.” Gates open at 5:30pm, and music from 6:00 – 8:30pm. Party in the Park features music you can dance to, and that’s exactly what you’ll get, plus lot’s of fun and you’ll likely meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while too. It’s all family friendly and a great way to transition into your weekend!
This Thursday, Sept. 15, it’s the season finale featuring one of the hottest new bands on the scene – Atlantic Groove.
Plus it’s School Employee Appreciation Night – so if you present your school ID at the gate, you’ll get in for FREE!
It’s our way of saying “thanks” for all you do for our children.
It’s really the most fun place to be in Roanoke on Thursday night!
See the BB&T Party in the Park web site for complete details.
And be certain to “Like” us on Facebook!
FREE Concert Finale – Wed. Aug. 24th. Barefoot West and Shorefire!
August 22, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
Wednesday nights in downtown Roanoke just got a lot more fun, thanks to Valley Bank’s Downtown LIVE. It continues Wednesday night July 27th – in the Market Square of 
downtown. It’s “Our Valley. Our Music” so we’ll be featuring some of the best music artists from the Roanoke Valley area – with all types of musical styles!. Music starts at 6:00pm and continues until 8:30pm. Admission is FREE. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Lawn chairs are welcome.
August 24 – Barefoot West & Shorefire
While you’re enjoying the music with your friends be sure to register at the Valley Bank booth because
Valley Bank
will Give Away
1- iPad2 ® and 2- iPhone4s®
Be certain to “Like” Valley Bank’s Downtown Live on Facebook!
Getdown Downtown Specials each week after PITP and Downtown Live!
July 22, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
After Party in the Park is over you don’t have to go home . Head downtown Roanoke and take advantage of wonderful food specials at these participating restaurants each week. Don’t forget these specials are available after Downtown Live too! The specials for this week are:
- 202 Marketplace is offering half off all appetizers
- Awful Arthurs is serving up buy one pound of peel and eat shrimp, get one free! All for just $8.99!
- Blues BBQ enjoy at taste of the south with pit ham, hand cut boardwalk fries and a drink for only $8.99!
- Corned Beef & Co. Take advantage of two pounds of boneless wings for the price of one or enjoy $7 pepperoni or cheese pizza.
- Martins’s Downtown has 2 Can Dine for $19.99: 2 Entrees from Martin’s Pasta Bar with a Salad and a Bottle of Wine for $12.99 from 4pm – 11pm.
- The Quarter is offering a special that includes the soup of the day, Cream of mushroom and wild rice, seared tuna with cucumber and ginger salad with house made Teriyaki sauce with Wasabi and pickled ginger. Desert? Indulge in homemade chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake with an Oreo crust!
DELBERT McClinton headlines SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival – Sat. Oct.1
July 21, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events, Volunteers
Delbert McClinton
It’s Roanoke’s award winning “Sizzlin’ Hot Blues & Smokin’ Ribs Festival” – the SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival. Make plans now for Sat. Oct. 1, 2012 in Elmwood Park, downtown Roanoke VA. This year we’re planning to bring you some killer music and killer food. Starting with the return of 3x Grammy winner Delbert McClinton and his band Dick 50. Delbert was a huge hit at the festival in 2009, plus we know he had a great time too, as his folks called us to request coming back! Also on the bill is Bernard Allison, son of the legendary bluesman Luther Allison. Bernard spends most of his touring in Europe but this fall he has scheduled a few U.S. shows – including the SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival – we are thrilled! And more including Roanoke’s own The Fat Daddy Band and and the yet to be determined winning act from the upcoming Blue Ridge Blue’s Society’s competition. By the way that competition takes place at the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Fest scheduled for Sat. July 16 here in Roanoke as well (headlined by Tommy Castro).
Don’t for
get the SunTrust Big Lick Blues also features finger lickin’ eats as well – with a emphasis on ribs. Each year local restaurants serve up delicious food and we have plenty of cold beverages as well. This fine combination of world class blues artists, and world class eats makes the SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival one of the region’s “must attend” festivals each year.
Advance discount tickets are available now online. Make plans now!
Bernard Allison
See the SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival web site for complete details.
Be certain to “Like” us on Facebook!
The Family Stone & 1964: The Tribute – will take you higher at Festival in the Park!
May 11, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events, Volunteers
Sunday night, May 29, in Elmwood Park on the Festival in the Park big stage with the big screen, we’ll be taking you higher! Or should we say it’ll be a family affair! Either way we say it, you’re guaranteed a unique and 
unforgettable musical experience. The Family Stone, features three original members of the legendary Soul/Funk/R&B band Sly & the Family Stone, surrounded by the hottest R&B, funk and soul musicians you’ll find. Cynthia Robinson (trumpet), Jerry Martini (saxophone) and Greg Errico (drums) are original founding members of Sly & The Family Stone. Jerry, Cynthia and Greg are also 1993 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, as well as R&B Pioneer Award winners. They are also the heart of The Family Stone and are keeping the legacy alive and true to its original sound and raw funk groove.
But they’re obviously not alone, The Family Stone features the powerful voices of Alex Davis and Trina Johnson. Alone with an outstanding assemble of musicians. Together they’ll bring you a musical message of peace, love and social consciousness through musical harmony wrapped in one of the funkiest and liveliest shows you’ll find. Experience for yourself the roots of funk and you’ll understand what half a million others worldwide already know…”Cynthia and Jerry got a message, they say… ALL THE SQUARES GO HOME!”
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Plus keeping a Festival in the Park tradition alive (but with a twist) opening for The Family Stone is 1964: The Tribute. Since the early 80’s, “1964″…The Tribute has been thrilling audiences all over the globe with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”. “1964″ takes their audiences on a journey through a quintessential moment in music history that will live forever. Over 20 years of researching and performing have made “1964″ masters of their craft. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute show in the world.
Of course fans of Festival in the Park already know about this – but did you know that Roanoke’s Festival in the Park is one of the band’s favorite shows each year!
What a night of unforgettable night of music and showmanship!
Tickets for this show and all other Festival in the Park concerts are on sale now!
We suggest you take advantage of the new online advance “Print at home” discount e-ticketing.
Be certain to be a Festival in the Park Facebook fan to get all the latest information.
Presented by
Atlanta Rhythm Section will kick off ‘11 BB&T Party in the Park season
May 11, 2011 by Larry
Filed under Community, Music, Our Events
We know lots of folks just can’t wait for the start of the award winning BB&T Party in the Park season to begin. With warm weather upon us, where else would you rather be on Thursday nights then Elmwood Park? Well get ready and mark your calendars for May 26th. EventZone keeps raising the bar on the entertainment and this year’s schedule is no exception. Get you dancing shoes ready for the smooth southern pop
rock rhythms of the Atlanta Rhythm Section on opening night and then all throughout the summer.
Here’s the 2011 BB&T Party in the Park schedule
May 26 – Atlanta Rhythm Section & Project 4
June 2 – Craig Woolard Band
June 9 – Chairmen of the Board/ Remembers General Johnson
June 16 – Jim Quick & Coastline
June 23 – SuperHold
June 30 – Domino Band
July 7 – Part-Time Party-Time Band
July 14 – The Tams
July 21 – The Attractions
July 28 – Fantastic Shakers
Aug. 4 – Holiday Band
Aug. 11 – The Embers
Aug. 18 – Hip Pocket
Aug. 25 – Danny Woods & the Board of Directors
Sept. 1 – The Kings
Sept. 8 –Band of Oz
Sept. 15 – Atlantic Groove
Expect lots of fun and surprises all summer long.
Admission is just $6.00 at the gate ($10.00 on opening night). Or get your “Any-10 Pass” for $52.00. Also if you buy an “Any-10 Pass” on opening night at the gate or before (at any BB&T Bank location) you can use it on opening night (thus your admission for that night will be just $5.20).
For all updated and to get BB&T Party in the Park info fast. “Like” the BB&T Party in the Park Facebook page.
The non-profit partner organizations for the 2011 BB&T Party in the Park have also been announced. These worthy Roanoke focused non-profit organizations will provide volunteers throughout the 2011 season and in return each will receive a portion of the net proceeds at the end of the year. To date you and EventZone have been able to provide over $67,000 to Roanoke non-profits!
