Buchanan’s Downtown Revitalization Program is holding its third annual Reggae by the River Music Festival Saturday, July 22 in the Buchanan Town Park by the James River.
The entertainment runs from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person with children under 12 free.
A grassroots effort, Reggae By the River was the brainchild of volunteer Sarah Boblett, who has coordinated the evening’s activities from brightly colored tie-dye flags lining Main Street, food vendors on the park, kids’ activities to the crowd-pleasing performances by bands Shorefire and Lazy Man Dub Band.
“All we really want to do is concentrate on the positives of our community, the beautiful setting by the river in our downtown and our wonderful volunteers who make these activities possible,” Boblett said.
Reggae enthusiasts will know the two bands playing at this Saturday’s event.
Lazy Man Dub Band features Adam Beason on guitar with vocals, Chris McCorkle, dub line and vocals, Wayne Shorter one drop, Matt Leonard with percussion, Justin Pinckney on sax, Ernie Freeman on trumpet and John Stump on trumpet.
The Lazy Man Dub Band is bringing roots-rock reggae to the masses, one party at a time, they say.
Shorefire features Dan Carrell on guitar and vocals, John Beason on drums and vocals, Matt Tomlinson on guitar and vocals and Steele Whisnant on bass and vocals.
Shorefire’s sound is a fresh blend of original surf-reggae, funk and rock music. They maintain radio-friendly hooks and always move their audience to their feet.
A family-friendly event, the evening’s activities include a Kids’ Zone featuring sprinklers, bubbles, an art wall and games.
A tie-dying station will feature festival shirts where guests may purchase shirts to tie-dye for $15. The shirts feature the event logo and no two shirts will finish the same.
Food vendors include Lex Mex Tacos, Jam Rock Island Grill, Carnival Fries and a beer garden featuring brews and wine from PA Distributors.
“This event has a little bit of something for everyone— good music, good food and good times,” Downtown Revitalization Program Manager Harry Gleason added. “All of this has been made possible due to the volunteers of the Buchanan Special Events Committee, volunteers from throughout the community and our sponsor, Bank of Botetourt.”
