City of Radford's 2019 "Spirit of America" July 4th Celebration ft. Jimmy Fortune
Venue: Bisset Park, Radford
Organizations: City of Radford, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Faithful Praise, Gate 10, Jimmy Fortune, Radford Parks and Recreation Department, The Castaways
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Time: 1:30 - 10:30 PM
Event Types: Music, Food, Miscellaneous, Family Friendly, Speaking Engagements
Cost: Free
Description:
The City of Radford presents their 2019 "Spirit of America" July 4th Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at Bisset Park.

Enjoy a full day of live music, free kids activities, inflatables and attractions, food and craft vendors and of course the best fireworks around to close the event!

Music will be headlined by Country Music Association (CMA) Hall of Fame member and Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune. Opening for Jimmy Fortune will be IBMA award winning musicians Brooke and Darin Aldridge.

Schedule of Events:
• 1:30-7:30 pm - Rides and Games
• 1:30-2:30 pm - Faithful Praise (Gospel)
• 2:45-3:45 pm - Gate 10 (Youthful Bluegrass)
• 4:00-5:00 pm - The Castaways (Beach Music)
• 5:00-5:15 pm - Opening Ceremonies with Mayor David Horton and National Anthem sung by Lt. Andy Wilburn followed by Patriotic Readings from Dr. Dick Harshberger
• 5:15-5:45 pm - K-9 Exhibition by Radford City Police Department
• 6:00-7:00 pm - Brooke & Darin Aldridge (Bluegrass & Gospel)
• 7:15-8:45 pm - Jimmy Fortune (Country)
• 9:30 pm - Fireworks sponsored by Third Security

Note: All musical performances will be held at the gazebo.

Jimmy Fortune toured, sang and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years. He joined them first as a temporary replacement for Lew DeWitt, after DeWitt heard him singing at a ski resort and recommended him. Following an audition in Nashville, Jimmy was contacted by the Statler Brothers and performed his first show with them on January 28, 1982. Due to the debilitating effects of Crohn’s Disease, Lew was unable to return to the stage with the Statlers, and Jimmy was hired as a permanent replacement in August of 1982.

Fortune quickly lived up to his name. He wrote the group’s second No. 1 hit, “Elizabeth,” on their 1983 album Today, and followed that with two more No. 1 hits–“My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart”. Fortune also wrote the top-10 hit “Forever” from 1986’s Four for the Show and co-wrote the top-10 hit “More Than a Name on the Wall” from 1988’s The Greatest Hits.

Jimmy has performed in all of the U.S. States, in Canadian Provinces, and in front of audiences as large as 100,000. He was part of the Statlers’ annual Happy Birthday USA celebration in Staunton, Virginia, for 14 years. He also sang on many of the Statlers’ gold, platinum, and double platinum recordings. Jimmy’s career included The Nashville Network’s popular “The Statler Brothers Show” which aired for seven seasons and debuted in 1991 as the highest rated show for the network.

Jimmy and The Statler Brothers were inducted into the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007, and inducted into the CMA (Country Music Association) Hall of Fame in June 29, 2008.

After the Statler Brothers retired on October 26, 2002, Jimmy seized the opportunity to launch a solo career to share new music with his fans. Jimmy is currently living in Nashville, writing, and touring.

Links:

• http://www.jimmyfortune.com/site/
• https://www.facebook.com/Jimmy-Fortune-61774241726

Husband and wife duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge draw on the traditions of their native Cherryville, North Carolina, the savvy of a young, gifted band and their own dedication to ingenuity.

The duo has placed several tracks at the top of the charts on Americana/Roots, SiriusXM, Bluegrass and Gospel charts. They have received multiple nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPGBMA) and Inspirational Country Music (ICM). Their music videos “Wildflower” and “Tennessee Flat Top Box” were heavily featured on outlets including CMT, CMT Edge, GAC, Bluegrass Ridge TV and The Bluegrass Situation. TV appearances include PBS, Great American Gospel, The Bluegrass Road, Presley’s Country Jubilee, RFD-TV, Rural-TV, Daystar Network, Blue Highways TV, Songs of the Mountain, Woodsongs and Music City Roots.

Both highly acclaimed vocalists in their own right, Darin and Brooke combine rich harmonies with impeccable musicianship to create the unmistakable sound that has made them one of the hottest young acts in acoustic music and they’ve surrounded themselves with a band of equally amazing pickers. Darin spent 6 years as a member of the acclaimed County Gentleman and is a highly sought-after multi-instrumentalist. Brooke has been lauded for having one of the most powerful voices in music of any genre.

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/darin.brooke.aldridge
• https://www.twitter.com/DarinandBrookeA
• https://www.reverbnation.com/darinbrookealdridge4
• https://www.youtube.com/user/darinbrookeFan/videos

Although the faces and names may have changed since we began performing in 1961, one thing hasn't - the party continues! The Castaways based in Durham, North Carolina bring an exciting sound, tremendous talent, energy, and performer versatility to your party.

With every note being played live, you can count on The Castaways to provide you with a perfect mix of Beach, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll. But, don't be surprised if we throw in a little country and top-40 too. Whether it be a wedding reception, corporate party, night club, or good old-fashioned beach party, The Castaways are your key to a great time!

Links:

• https://www.castawaysband.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/castawaysband
• https://www.twitter.com/CastawaysBandNC

Gate 10 is a highly energetic band that has written its own musical story using the tales of traditional bluegrass, the high energy of classic rock and the heartaches of old country music.

Coupling this with ages ranging from 11 to 22, they have a unique sound that is beyond their years. Located in Southwest Virginia, they have traveled around the south performing and enjoying every moment of it.

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/Gate10band/
• https://www.instagram.com/gate10band/

A unique group with a sound and blend seldom heard, Faithful Praise brings a fresh energy to gospel music. Their harmonies are the type of blend that one would expect to hear from a family that has sung together for years. Based out of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Faithful Praise has created a sound that reflects their hearts for the message of the gospel. Each member brings their own style based on their personal experiences in music.

Links:

• http://www.faithfulpraise.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/FaithfulPraise

Derrick Davis of Classic Country WBRF 98.1 FM will serve as emcee.

Shuttle buses will be available and run from 1:30-10:30 pm with multiple stops along New River Drive and University Drive. To view the shuttle bus map, visit: https://www.radfordva.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3297.

If you would be interested in becoming a food or craft vendor, please contact Donna Wolfe at 540-731-3633 or by email Donna.Wolfe@radfordva.gov.

To view the event flyer, visit: https://i.imgur.com/hV88kqJ.jpg.

For more information, visit: https://www.radfordva.gov/1049/Radfords-July-4th-Celebration or https://www.facebook.com/RadfordParkandRecreation/ or call the Radford Parks & Recreation Department at 540-731-3633.