Heather Bell
RADFORD – The annual Radford Community Fest returns Aug. 23 in downtown Radford, with a slate of live musical performances, street performers, vendors and food trucks.
The event, a collaboration between Radford University and the City of Radford, is a free community celebration held 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on East Main Street.
“East Main Street will be [filled] with over 100 local vendors, five food trucks, a main stage with live music all day, street performers, community engagement, and the downtown Radford merchants you love are hoping to see you as well,” reads an announcement of the event.
The Main Stage music schedule includes:
11a.m. – 12 p.m.: Sky Dolphin
12:30 – 2 p.m.: Phat Laces
2:30 – 4 p.m.: Domino Band
4:30 – 6 p.m.: Crawford & Power
First up is Sky Dolphin, which “effortlessly combines aspects of music from 1920 up to 2024,” according to a description by Dogtown Roadhouse. “This group is a collaboration between some of Roanoke’s finest and most versatile musicians. With a focus on improvisational inspiration. Powerhouse vocals from Charissa Joy will have you singing along, Brian McKee’s impeccable percussion playing will have you grooving, and Seph Custer’s instrumental versatility will leave you questioning where genres intersect one another.”
Second on the schedule is Phat Laces. “Inspired by their mutual love for rap and funk, Phat Laces was created,” according to the band’s website. “The vision was to form an instrument driven group that could convey the true feel of hip-hop. The band melds incredible musicianship with dope rhymes, stellar singing, and savory solos. The Laces take you on a ride through the 50 years of hip-hop. Slaying the stylings of The Sugar Hill Gang, Outkast, Biggie, Mac Miller, and much more, they are Mos Def going to get your body movin’. Pop and lock your way down, and shake your groove thang with Phat Laces.”
Third up is Domino, a “high-energy horn band based in Roanoke specializing in classic R&B, soul and old-school funk, according to the band’s website.
“If you enjoy Al Green, Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin Gaye, Kool and the Gang, and other R&B-influenced artists of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today, you’ll love The Domino Band.”
The music slate’s finale is Crawford & Power, “a dynamic duo hailing from Southwest Virginia, redefining the country music scene with their distinctive sound,” their website describes. “Rooted in southern authenticity, Jake Crawford’s commanding vocals seamlessly blend with Ethan Power’s modern Dobro approach, crafting their own brand of Appalachian Red Dirt Country.”
“Already leaving their mark, Crawford & Power have shared the stage with notable artists like The Marshall Tucker Band, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, and more,” it continues. “Their career gained momentum with the release of their debut EP, “Play a Hank Jr. Song,” propelling them to over 6 million on-demand streams. Following up, with singles like “She Liked to Get High” & “Letting You Go,” the duo spent 2022/2023 in the studio with Producer Grady Saxman, unveiling their latest EP, “Bring it On Home,” as well as multiple singles in 2023.”
Although food truck spaces for Radford Community Fest are now full, local and regional crafters, artisans, community organizations and businesses are invited to purchase a booth. Spaces are 10’X10′. Singles and doubles are available. Limited spaces allow power for an extra charge. Also, anyone interested in volunteering at Community Fest can register at: https://www.radfordcommunityfest.com/.