NRVCS will host “Summer Youth Fest” on Friday, July 19 at Bisset Park in Radford. This free event is open to teens from throughout the New River Valley between the ages of 13 – 18 and will be conducted from 12 noon – 6 p.m. (rain or shine).
The festival will include a lineup of bands from the region that also feature local teens, performing a variety of musical genres. Bands scheduled to perform include: Gate 10, Wicked Phat, and The Electric Triangle.
Since joining together in August of 2018, Gate 10 has been playing strong and steady. They are a high energy band from the New River Valley. They have found their way by performing traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country music, along with original music.
Gate 10 is excited to travel this musical journey with a hard driving, solid style, but one that is firmly rooted in traditions with their own innovative sound. A true style of their own makes them a highly entertaining group to watch. Their stage presence is beyond their young years with their musicianship, vocals, and harmonies.
The band includes:
Addie Levy 17 – mandolin, vocals
Ethan Handy 16 – banjo, guitar
Eric Handy 9 – dobro
Jared Houseman 16- bass
Gabe Scott 18- fiddle, guitar, vocals
Jarrod Belcher 20 – guitar, vocals
Wicked Phat is a band from Riner, Virginia, consisting of Ethan Rutherford on guitar and vocals, Matthew Neal on bass and vocals, and Holden Trimmer on drums and percussion.
“We are a group of musicians who offer an assortment of rock music, playing the songs you know and love, some with our own twist, as well as original works composed by ourselves,” says Neal. “We are committed to bringing a show wherever we go, sharing the beauty of music and the powerful energy of rock with anyone who will lend us their ears,” he continues. “Whether it be a groovy classic rich with soul, or a high energy tune that will fill you with the fire of music, playing is our passion, and we want to bring that passion to you!”
The Electric Triangle features 16 year-olds Julian Schenker and Zeb Lanoue. The duo has been performing original, multi-genre music throughout the New River Valley for almost three years.
Sound services for the day are being provided by DJ Rick Pruett. In between band performances, Rick will be playing a variety of today’s most popular music. You don’t want to miss this event!
For more information about Summer Youth Fest, contact Nycole deLeeuw.