Less than 36 hours until RIVERFEST!!!

www.RiverFestMS.com), below.We encourage everyone within driving distance to come visit our fair city and see what we have to offer… it’s not only a great party, but you’ll be able to take in the sights, sounds and feel of Vicksburg and Warren County at the PERFECT time of year!As we said… the Arts & Crafts Show is free to the public, as is the parking.   Entrance to the RiverFest Music Festival, which is held on the historic brick paved Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg, is $20 per night, per person or you can buy the weekend pass for $35.   Tickets can be purchased at the gate if you just can’t get to one of our local retailers, but we encourage you to grab your tix from Paper Plus or Trustmark (both on Washington St.), Guaranty Bank (Cherry St. or Halls Ferry Rd.) or Toot’s (Confederate Avenue).Vicksburg Daily News will be out covering the events of the evening and getting to know quite a few more people in our area… basically enjoying ourselves while covering the event from multiple angles… and we hope to see you all there!!!

FRIDAY NIGHT

Brantley Gilberthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCsyA4DHwHE&feature=relatedBrantley Gilbert, Friday’s headliner plays rock-infused country music and his video for debut single, “Kick It In the Sticks,” has received over 1 million views on YouTube in less than 6 months. His second single off of album Halfway to Heaven, “My Kind of Crazy,” has just been released and is available for download on iTunes. Gilbert was the original artist and solitary songwriter on Jason Aldean’s current #5 Billboard single, “My Kinda Party.” The song was initially recorded for Gilbert’s debut album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son. William Michael MorganWilliam Michael Morgan, a Vicksburg native, is a fresh new voice in traditional country scheduled to play Friday night. At the age of seventeen, he already has years of experience playing his down-to-earth, Strait-ahead country for thousands of fans throughout Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama. Morgan has appeared on local, national and international television from CNN, Fox News, Fox International and MTV.Asphalt CowboyAsphalt Cowboy, a Country/Rock band from Wesson,MS will be playing your favorite songs from many generations of Country and Rock music. With a set-list of artists like Merle Haggard, George Jones, CCR, Rolling Stones, Poison, Jason Aldean and more, these guys are sure to be a hit at RiverFest 2011.Big Joe Shelton Big Joe has performed at numerous festivals and clubs throughout the southeastern United States including:  King Biscuit Blues Festival, Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival, Freedom Creek Blues Festival and the Beal Street Mess Around. He has also toured England, France, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.He has played with blues legends Big Joe Williams, Furry Lewis, Son Thomas, Junior Kimbrough, Fenton Robinson and BMA / Handy Award nominees Willie King, BlindMississippi Morris, R. L. Burnside and Johnny Rawls, as well as Daniel “Slick” Ballinger, the 2007 BMA Best New Artist.Shelton was awarded a 2010/2011 Artist Fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission and is a member of their “Artist Roster” as well as their “Mississippi Folk arts / Folklife Directory”. He was honored in 2007 by being included on the “Columbus / Cat Fish Alley” Mississippi Blues Trail Marker.Among his contributions toward perpetuation of the blues is his involvement with the Jazz Foundation of America and the Mississippi Arts Commission, educational programs. Chelsea RoyaltyBorn and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Chelsea has been singing since the tender age of 3 years old. Being the daughter of a minister, Chelsea started singing in church and still today continues to bless people with her smooth and sultry vocals. At the age of 12, Chelsea moved to Atlanta, GA with her family. That marked the beginning of a wonderful journey into becoming one of the most influential female entertainers of our time. Chelsea has a smooth, edgy and bubbly style all her own. Upon meeting her, she has this infectious smile and sparkling personality and beauty that will win the hearts of music lovers all across the globe. She credits her role models, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Nancy Wilson, her mom, and Jesus for giving her the puzzle pieces that complete who she is as a person and entertainer.The Tip Tops RiverFest has also booked The Tip Tops for Friday night. The Tip Tops are a high energy dance and show band based out of Mobile, AL. The musical emphasis is 60s, Motown and rhythm and blues. The Tip Tops performed last year for RiverFest and were well received which earned them a return spot for 2011.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Anthony WallsAnthony Walls, a Hip Hop, R&B, Pop artist born in Scotlandville, LA, along with Dr. Dee will headline Saturday night.  Walls, while serving in the Army, opened for Recording Artists Black, Tyrese, H-Town, Mint Condition, Jurassic 5, Fiji and Adina Howard. After winning a Dallas talent contest in 2004, He joined Lee Records out of Charlotte, NC and had the opportunity to go on a five city tour with legends: The O’Jays, Keith Sweat, Jodeci, and Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly. Since leaving Lee Records, he has performed with Sir Charles Jones, Glen Jones, Wendell B and Calvin Richardson. Dr. DeeDr. Dee, a Soul & Blues artist born & raised in Centreville, MS, had his first album drop in September 2009. Dr. Dee, a young soulful man full of many gifts, practices variety throughout his debut album, Dr. Dee’s World. The ChillThe Chill, a Vicksburg-based band and local favorite, will also be performing at the 24th Annual RiverFest. The Chill’s style is classic rock and roll, Motown, and variety dance music. The Chill sound is an exciting blend of horns, guitars, percussion and vocal harmony, with a unique combination of fun personalities ready to create a party. Sounds UnlimitedSounds Unlimited, another local favorite and Vicksburg-based band, will also be performing at RiverFest on Saturday night. Sounds Unlimited performs the blues regularly. The band has been on the scene off and on for 30 years. Band Campwww.bandcampnola.comBand Camp is a 6 piece rock/pop cover band sure to raise the energy level by generating an interactive atmosphere. The music plus the stage and light show will keep you entertained for the duration…plus there is some dancing that goes on in there….We all come from different area and genres of music and life, but, together, we make for an unforgettable night. Trust the Madness.Elements of the City featuring Tony McGheeElements of the City featuring Tony McGhee is a show and band known for its fun high energy performances. Playing a variety of Motown, oldies, soul, R&B and much more. And don’t be surprised when they break it down to give you smooth jazz. The band director Tony McGhee is an incredible nationally known drummer, artist, and producer from Washington DC.  Tony and the band now resides in various parts of the South, from Mississippi to Alabama. From the melodies of the horns, the heart pounding beat of the drums to the perfect blend of vocals, you’ll be transported to another place in time when this band takes the stage!]]]]> ]]>

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