eventzone » Volunteers

BB&T’s Party in the Park closes another successful season

Larry — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:06:52 +0000

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 takes 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

Who should be honored as the ‘12 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal?

Larry — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:36:47 +0000

A favorite Roanoke and regional tradition is just right around the corner! The Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which includes the 23rd Annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Celtic Festival featuring Second Wynde, will take place Saturday, March 17th in downtown Roanoke. The festivities start at 10:00am, with the parade stepping off at 11:00am. The McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The 23rd Annual McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will continue its long standing tradition of “honoring those who protect and serve,” by selecting someone to serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal, who has dedicated their time and effort to serving the Roanoke community. There are so many worthy candidates who are citizens in the Roanoke Valley working in public service positions to make this community a better place. This year the St. Patrick’s Day committee is looking to the citizens of Roanoke to nominate a person to serve as the 2012 parade Grand Marshal. In past years, the Grand Marshal has not been limited to just a male or female, in fact a service dog has had the honor! The ideal candidate has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a standout example of dedication to the citizens of Roanoke. Past year’s marshals include Brian Lawrence, retired Roanoke City Police officer; Captain Chris Brown’s family, representing the late Roanoke City Fire and EMS captain; St. Francis service dogs; and Henley Green, Roanoke City Fire and EMS. McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has also had many Veterans, both active and retired, share this honor. If you would like to nominate an individual please contact Amanda Gaylor via e-mail at Amanda@eventzone.org or by phone at (540)-342-2640X233.

March 17th is a day for the entire family to enjoy all that downtown Roanoke has to offer. For a complete schedule of activities visit the event website at www.RoanokSaintPats.org.

Carol Cup Golf Tournament and BBQ Dinner- Aug. 27th

Larry — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:00:19 +0000

Come join us on Saturday, August 27, 2011 as we celebrate the First Annual Carol Cup Golf Tournament and Fundraiser dinner at Roanoke Country Club!

About

CarolFest is a celebration of Carol William, a loving mother, wife, daughter and upstanding member of our community. Carol had worked for Festival in the Park (now part of EventZone) for over 20 years and had served as the primary face behind the scene of Downtown Roanoke’s events for two decades. Last November, Carol suffered a severe stoke which has left her with paralysis on her right side and unable to speak. Supporters and friends of Carol decided to honor her by coordinating an event in her name, and at the same time, hope to raise money to help offset Carol’s growing health care expenses.

Carol Cup Golf Tournament and BBQ Dinner on the lawn

The Carol Cup Golf Tournament and BBQ dinner will take place on Saturday, August 27th Roanoke Country Club. The day will feature a Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament followed by a BBQ dinner on the lawn featuring a silent auction , dancing, a cash bar and live music by The Sessions Band on the clubhouse lawn. All funds raised by CarolFest will go towards Carol’s health care expenses. Schedule of Events are:

12pm: Boxed Lunch served at the Roanoke Country Club Clubhouse
1pm: Golf Tournament Shotgun Start
5:30pm: Fundraiser BBQ Dinner & Party

To purchase tickets to the dinner and/ or sign up for golf please click here.

If you are interested in sponsorship please click here!

For more information visit www.CarolFest.org or contact EventZone at CarolFestRoanoke@gmail.com.

You can also call EventZone at 540.342.2640

DELBERT McClinton headlines SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival – Sat. Oct.1

Larry — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:21:58 +0000

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 forget 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!

Larry — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:33:51 +0000

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

Blues Traveler’s John Popper Headlines Saturday at Festival in the Park

Larry — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:58:09 +0000

Saturday night, May 28, in Elmwood Park on the Festival in the Park big stage with the big screen, up close it’s John Popper, the enigmatic front-man of multi-platinum Grammy winners, Blues Traveler! John and his awesome new band,The Duskray Troubadours, will be playing songs from their just released CD, and some Blues Traveler classics such as “Run-Around” and “Hook.”

This new project is labor of love says Popper, “Something in me kicked in and I just floored it,” says the singer/harp slinger. “It was absolutely exhilarating. I felt free, because I was going to do something I loved, and just for me.” That something was a month-long recording session in the mountains of New Mexico. The result was the self-titled debut CD of John Popper and The Duskray Troubadours.

This is a side project for John, it’s like a part-time scrappy, roots-rock extension of Popper’s work in Blues Traveler. But before you get the wrong idea, John Popper and The Duskray Troubadours is more than a Popper-led solo project or a back-to-basics whiff of nostalgia. It’s the sum of six rock-solid players—rounded out by bassist Steve Lindsay, drummer Mark Clark, guitarists Kevin Trainor and Aaron Beavers, and guitarist/producer Jono Manson—coming together to channel the loose, limit-less spirit of simpler days. “What I love about this album is that I’m playing differently,” says Popper, “and not because I tried to, either. The music led me there, which is the best way to do it, really. On this album, melody is what drove everything.”

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 ticketing.

Buy tickets Now!

Be certain to be a Festival in the Park Facebook fan to get all the latest information.

Presented by

2011 McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade and Vendor Applications

Larry — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:04:50 +0000

EventZone is now accepting applications for the 2011 McDonald’s St. Pat’s Parade, as well as merchant vendor applications for the Roanoke’s St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Festival. The Roanoke St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has grown to become one of the largest parades and celebrations in the Mid-Atlantic region and for this reason, also THE busiest days for restaurants and businesses in the downtown area.

The McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on March 12, 2011 downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The parade will step off at 11:00 a.m. with line-up beginning at 9:00 a.m. on S. Jefferson Street, in front of the Carilion Clinic, located between Highland Avenue and Albermarle Avenue. Get your parade applications in early- the deadline is March 1, 2011.

The Celtic Festival will take place in the same location as last year, in the corner parking lot of Campbell Avenue and Jefferson Street. This is a wonderful opportunity for any commercial business, craft vendor or goods and service vendor because over 12,000 people crowd the streets of downtown each year to celebrate this Irish holiday. Vendor space is limited so be sure and get your applications in now.

Download either the parade or vendor application by clicking here.

Need decoration ideas on how to make your float “award winning” – check out pictures from years past. “Going Green” is definitely the theme here! Remember you’ll get pinched with no green- so may the luck of the Irish be with you as you decorate your float for the 2011 McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Party in the Park’s Non-Profit Partner Application is now available for 2011

Larry — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:35:43 +0000

Each year at BB&T Party in the Park – selected area non-profit organizations benefit from a portion of the net proceeds of the series. The selected non-profit partner organizations provide volunteers to work at the BB&T Party in the Park concerts and help promote the series in general. Additionally being present at BB&T Party in the Park is a great opportunity for these non-profit organizations to share about their activities and missions to those in attendance.

Since the 2005 BB&T Party in the Park, EventZone has been able to donate over $67,000 to local non-profit organizations. These partnering groups have included: SW Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank; Kimoyo; YWCA of Roanoke Valley; Roanoke Area Ministries-RAM House; The Arts Council of the Blues Ridge; Council of Community Services; Blue Ridge Public TV-JASON Project; Downtown Learning Center; CASA, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Jefferson Center Foundation; Downtown Music Lab; St. Francis Assisi Dog Service; Roanoke Symphony; Boys & Girls Club; New Horizons Health; Mill Mountain Theatre; Ronald McDonald House; Roanoke Adolescent Health partnership; Mental Health America and Jefferson Center.

Party in the Park would not be possible if it weren’t for the volunteers that come out each, supplied to us by our local non-profit partners. This year, Party in the Park was able to donate over $11,000 to the various non-profits for their volunteer efforts during the 2010 season. If you are interested in applying to become a 2011 non-profit partner please download the following application and submit it along with the requested documentation to EventZone no later than March 4, 2011. Non-profit partners will be selected and notified by April 8, 2011.

Click here for the 2011 Non-Profit Partner Application.

Party in the Park gives back to the community

Larry — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:41:37 +0000

Party in the Park wrapped up it’s very last concert of the season this past Wednesday at Elmwood Park with a performance by Jim Quick. Party in the Park would not be possible if it weren’t for the volunteers that come out each and every week, as well as the local non-profit partners. This year, Party in the Park was able to donate over $11,000 to the various non-profits for their volunteer efforts for the 2010 season. If you are interested in applying to become a 2011 non-profit partner please visit the Party in the Park website, where the 2011 application will be posted within the next month. A VERY BIG thanks to the people listed below:

Maria Anderson, Billy Fadorick, Brenda Underwood, Earl Houff, Deborah Bradley, Benny Firestone, Travis Jenkins, MaryKay Brown, Robert Turcotte, the EventZone Board of Directors and EventZone staff

SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival – Podcast Preview Show

Larry — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:37:16 +0000

Can’t wait for “Mr. Tuff Enough” – Jimmie Vaughan along with John Lee Hooker Jr., Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, plus special guests Lou Ann Barton, and Clarence “The Bluesman” Turner?

This year’s SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival , on Sat. Oct. 2 (Elmwood Park, downtown Roanoke, VA) will be the best yet! And that’s saying something since over the last few years we’ve had Delbert McClinton, John Hammond, Shemekia Copeland, Jimmy Thackery, Jimmy Hall, Paul Thorn, Anna Popovic, Hamilton Loomis and others on stage!

So you can get a preview of the music – our friend “Bratha Dave” from BluzNdaBlood has just competed show #102 for his podcast – it features the artists and music from this year’s SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival. Enjoy!

You can subscribe to the BluzNdaBlood Blues Podcast via iTunes too!

If you’d like to contact “Bratha Dave” here’s his email.

Don’t forget the best ticket deal is town is the Advance Discount of $22.00 – available online or a all regional SunTrust Bank locations – click here for details. SunTrust customers also get a discount!