Saturday:

Sunday:

Monday:

Single advance tickets for all are on sale online now.  Additionally, there is also a discount  “All-3″ ticket on sale as well (one ticket for each of the three concerts).

Lee Brice kicks off a busy schedule for the award-nominated singer. On April 1, Brice will compete in the “Song of the Year” category at the ACM Awards for co-writing Eli Young Band’s first #1 single, “Crazy Girl.” Then, on April 24, his much-anticipated sophomore album, Hard 2 Love, hits the streets with a fury of media appearances. “A Woman Like You” is the lead release from the album and is currently at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and is selling over 40,000 single downloads weekly.

The Gin Blossoms completed the classic crossover from college-circuit heroes to multi-platinum album sellers in the 90’s. Fueled by mega-hits including “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You” and “Til I Hear It From You,”

The band’s hometown following in Tempe, Arizona grew quickly as the band earned a great reputation as a live act. Readers of the Phoenix New Times chose them as the city’s best rock band qualifying them to play at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas in March, 1989. Later that year, College Music Journal dubbed them the “Best Unsigned Band in America” and invited them to play MTV’s New Music Awards in New York City.

Major label interest quickly followed …their initial releases on A&M Records included Up and Crumbling in 1991 and the multi-platinum selling New Miserable Experience in 1992 featuring the single, “Hey Jealousy” which peaked at #25 on Billboard Hot 100. Four more singles followed … “Mrs. Rita,” “Found Out About You,” “Allison Road” and “Until I Fall Away.” With NME having sold nearly 3 million copies in the US alone, the Gin Blossoms became a band to be reckoned with.

Congratulations I’m Sorry, which was released in 1996, was the Blossom’s final original album of the decade bringing them two more hits … “Follow You Down” which spent ten weeks in the Top Ten and “As Long As It Matters” which earned the group a Grammy nomination for “Best Performance by a Duo or Group.” The album debuted in Billboard’s Top Ten and a year of touring helped put the record past 1,500,000 units sold.  Their latest album, No Chocolate Cake, was released on September 2010.

Craig Morgan’s is well established as a Country music star, with 14 “Top-30″ songs on the Billboard Hot Country Chart including his #1 hit “that’s What I Love About Sunday.” Now his current single “This Ole Boy”, from his new of the same name  is currently #19 on Billboard Hot Country chart.

Having made the initial choice to steer clear of a career in music, Morgan racked up a working-man’s resume taking on work as an EMT, a contractor, a sheriff’s deputy, and a Wal-Mart assistant dairy manager. Additionally, he is extremely proud of his nearly two decades of service to our U.S. military, including over ten years of active duty serving in the Army’s 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, followed by another nine years in the Reserves serving well into his music career.

Since leaving the military, he’s remained an enthusiastic supporter, traveling into some of the most dangerous places on earth to entertain our troops. “I was one of the first artists to go into Afghanistan,” says Morgan, who received the 2006 USO Merit Award for his tireless support, an honor also awarded to Steven Spielberg, Elizabeth Taylor and Bob Hope. “Right after the invasion, they were still sweeping up glass in Kandahar in the airport. I get to give those men and women a little piece of home. It really does make a difference.”

His diverse life experiences forged an appreciative approach to hard work that would serve him well as a country music artist. “Whether I was working at Wal-Mart or as a police officer, I enjoyed what I did,” says Morgan. “And I could go right back to that today. I’m going to make whatever I’m doing interesting and fun. I’ve always tried to look at this like, ‘It’s a job. And I’m blessed to have it.’”

Morgan might not punch a clock anymore, but he still puts in plenty of overtime. His schedule is packed with live shows, touring with Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins, and consistently sells out headlining dates. He is also a competitive dirt bike racer in the Mid-South Hare Scramble Series and, most importantly, a dedicated family man.

Festival in the Park  is offering a limited number of full weekend (3-Day) or 1-Day Concert VIP Experience passes this year.  In addition to full FITP entry, VIP guests will have access to 2 exclusive areas from 4pm each day until shortly after the evening concert ends.  On the hill above the stage, VIP guests can mingle on the patio of the downtown Library and relax on the adjacent lawn — enjoying a sweeping view of the park and music.  When VIP pass holders want a closer look, they can wander down to the VIP designated area right at the stage.

3-Day Concert VIP Experience Passes are $150.00 each, and 1-Day Concert VIP Experience Passes are just $60.00

-          Admission to all (or one night if you select the 1-Day Pass) 2012 Festival in the Park activities on May 25 – 27 and ticketed concerts (Gin Blossoms, Lee Brice with special guests Mountain Heart, and Craig Morgan with Hunter Hayes and Love & Theft)

-          Special VIP section at the stage to watch the concerts.

-          Free VIP Parking with quick and easy access to the park.

-          VIP Passes include 2 free drinks each day.  The VIP patio will have an upgraded selection of specialty beer + wine.

-          Meet & Greet the artists.  The talent will join the VIPs on the patio throughout the weekend.

-          Free catered food will be offered in the VIP lounge and patio.

-          Private indoor bathrooms.  Need we say more?

See this web page for more information and to order Concert VIP Experience Passes.

In addition to the new vision and the expansion of activities, 2012 Festival in the Park will offer many of the activities long time fans have enjoyed such as the Fine Arts & Craft Show, Youth Art Show, Firemen’s Foam and days filled with great live music – including a regional gospel choir competition.  Back for a second year will be the wildly popular ProTown BMX Bike Show and clinics.  With a nod to street art from around the world, the festival will feature international renowned sand sculptor, Carl Jara and local chalk artist Ken Stockton – both offering interactive experiences for budding artists of all ages.  A truckload of sand will be delivered to Elmwood Park in the week leading up to the festival and Jara will begin creating his Roanoke inspired work of sand art before the festival begins.

r Festival in the Park Concert VIP Experience 1-Night pass now! Limited quantity!

As you know, Roanoke’s Festival in the Park has been requesting feedback from all areas of the community so that we may better provide an exciting and fun urban festival experience.  As part of the change, we have developed the Festival in the Park Concert VIP Experience.

In addition to full Festival in the Park concert entry, VIP guests will have access to 2 exclusive areas from 4:00pm each day until shortly after the evening concert ends.  On the hill above the stage, VIP guests can mingle on the patio of the downtown Library and relax on the adjacent lawn — enjoying a sweeping view of the park and music.  When you want a closer look, wander down to the VIP designated area right at the stage!

Festival in the Park Concert VIP Passes include:

-          Special VIP section at the stage to watch the concerts.

-          Free VIP Parking with quick and easy access to the park.

-          VIP Passes include 2 free drinks each day.  The VIP patio will have an upgraded selection of specialty beer and wine.

-           Meet & Greet the artists.  The talent will join the VIPs on the patio throughout the weekend.

-           Free catered food will be offered in the VIP lounge and patio.

-           Private indoor bathrooms.  Need we say more?

1-Night Concert VIP Pass is $60 each:

- Admission to one 2012 Festival in the Park ticketed concert (either May 25 Gin Blossoms; or May 26 Lee Brice with special guests Mountain Heart. Sorry the VIP Experience for Sunday with Craig Morgan is SOLD OUT). See more about the bands at this link.

Select concert

5/25-Gin Blossoms$60.00 USD 5/26- Lee Brice with special guest Mountain Heart$60.00 USD 5/27- Craig Morgan- SOLD OUT$0.00 USD

Don’t miss out on THE event of the year

the 4th Annual

Derby Day Gala at Rockledge.

Expect an unforgettable day including BIG hats, seersucker suits, fabulous Kentucky Derby fare, beverages from the bar (including mint juleps), live entertainment by “Project 4″ and one of the most inspiring views of the Roanoke Valley. This fabulous event, called Roanoke’s most beautiful fund raiser, is held at Rockledge (just below the Mill Mountain Star) and is on Saturday May 5, 2012.  Now in its fourth year of fund-raising for EventZone.Org and it’s Festival in the Park’s Scholarship for the Arts Program, which has donated over $125,000 to area students who are pursuing a degree in the arts.  Also a donation is made to the Culinary Institute at Virginia Western Community College, whose students and instructors prepare all the food.   Donations of food are provided by numerous local businesses in support of this event.  Don’t just hear about this event, be a part of it!  Reservations are $100.00 per person, and capacity is limited – a portion of your admission is tax deductible.

Here’s an idea of the Derby Day Gala activities
4:00pm – Hors devours available, Champagne available at entrance
4:30pm – “Lucky Lane” – friendly wagering opens
4:45pm – Project 4 performing
6:00pm – Scholarship for the Arts Presentation
6:24pm – Official post time for 138th Kentucky Derby
6:35pm – “Derby fare” Buffet
6:30pm – Project 4 performing
7:30pm – Derby Day Auction
7:45pm – Best & Derby Attired Gentleman & Lady Winners
8:00pm – Project 4 performing

For more information and reservations, call 540.342.2640 or simply use the secure PayPal link below

As of April 26, less than 50 spaces remain for the 2012 Derby Day Gala – don’t delay!

We would like to thank our current 2012 sponsors for their support in this wonderful annual event!

Check the DxDT web site for complete details.

Like DxDT on Facebook for updates!

Outdoor Showcase Stage

(Located behind The Roanoke City Market Building – click for directions)

5:00 pm  – Community High School Performance Band

5:45 – Welcome To Hoonah

6:30 – The Allen Thompson Band

7:15 – The Former Champions

The Former Champions

8:00 – The Cory Campbell Band

11:00 am – Performers from The Music Lab at Jefferson Center

Noon – Urth

1:00 pm – Grass Monkey

2:00 – Electric Chameleon

3:00 – Dangermuffin

4:30 – Sam Fochtman & Tobacco Apache

5:30 – The Alliens

Indoor Club Venues

Awful Arthur’s

Wed. April, 18 – DJ $Bill

Thurs. April, 19 – Jerry Wimmer

Friday April,  20 – The Allen Thompson Band

Sat. April, 21 – DJ Flex & Bobby Hash

Fork in the City

Friday April,  20 – Welcome To Hoonah

Sat. April, 21 – Corey Hunley & Jeff Maiden

Corned Beef & Company

Wed. April, 18 – Lloyd Dobbler Acoustic w/ Jim Ayers & Cuz’n Rov

Thurs. April, 19 – Corey Hunley & Friends

Friday April,  20 – The Dickens

Sat. April, 21 – Polychrome

Martin’s Dontown

Wed. April, 18 – William Walter

Thurs. April, 19 – Reagan Boggs and The Coalmen

Friday April, 20 – The Former Champions w/ Timbre Coup

Sat. April, 21 – The Funk Arc

Kirk Ave. Music Hall

Wed. April, 18 – Greg Klyma with Phil Norman & Will Farmer

Thurs. April, 19 – American Aquarium

Friday April, 20 – Floodwood

Sat. April, 21 – Uncle Bengine & The Restraining orders, the Golden Hour, The Missionaries

Jefferson Center

Friday April, 20 – Imago Theatre: ZOOZOO

Blues BBQ

Wed. April, 18 – Elmer Coles Funktet

Thurs. April, 19 – Eric Larson

Friday April, 20 – David Porter Trio

The Quarter

Wed. April, 18 – Aaron Oberg

Thurs. April, 19 – Caravan

Friday April, 20 – Elmer Coles Gumbo Band

Sat. April, 21 – Martin Marron

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 D-Day veteran, John Kessler, as the parade Grand Marshal.  Kessler served in the United States Military for 13 ½ years. John first enlisted in the National Guard before graduating high school and then spent several years in various military training schools. John and his Battalion took part in one of the most famous invasions in history; D-Day. He was awarded five combat stars and 12 medals, two of which are the Purple Heart, for his accomplishments and dedication to the United States Military. At age 90 he is still inspiring others with his valor and sacrifice to serve our country.

This year’s Céilí Queen is Carol Williams, former EventZone staffer and “Queen of Festivals.” Carol has been a great contribution to many local events including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Celtic Festival. Her hard work and creativity have made the festivals thrive and become what they are today. In 2010 Carol suffered a severe stroke, which left her paralyzed on her left side and with loss of speech. She is currently continuing her physical and speech therapy at home with her family. We are delighted to announce Carol Williams as our Céilí Queen.

So kick off the holiday weekend with the Celtic Crossroads “World Fusion Tour” show on Friday March 16th. Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as ‘the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades – not to be missed!”  Show time is at 8:00pm; advance tickets are available at the Jefferson Center Box office.