Local band Asphalt Cowboy to perform at Riverfest

(VICKSBURG, MS)– The 24th Annual RiverFest will feature Brantley Gilbert on Friday night and Anthony Walls and Dr. Dee on Saturday night. RiverFest will be held April 15 and 16, 2011 in Downtown Vicksburg and will feature two stages with 12 acts on both nights. 

            “We are confident RiverFest will experience great success this year as we’ve changed our marketing strategies, which include developing a new website and utilizing social media such as facebook,” said Katrina Shirley, 2011’s RiverFest board president. “Bringing back two stages and offering more entertainment will draw a larger crowd into downtown Vicksburg to enjoy the festivities.”

             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.

            RiverFest has also booked The Tip Tops from Mobile, Chelsea Royalty from Jackson, Big Joe Shelton from northeast Mississippi, Asphalt Cowboy from Copiah County, and Vicksburg native William Michael Morgan for Friday night.

            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. 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 Chill, a Vicksburg-based band and local favorite, will also be performing at the 24th Annual RiverFest on Saturday night along with Vicksburg bands Sounds Unlimited and Next to Nothing, Elements in the City featuring Tony McGhee, and Band Camp.

            Saturday daytime activities include the RiverFest Arts and Crafts Show and GospelFest. The arts and crafts show begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Vicksburg. A fun time for the whole family- admission is free during the day with live music, street performers, children’s activities, food booths, and fabulous side-walk sales with participating downtown merchants. GospelFest is on the South Stage during the RiverFest Arts & Crafts Show from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features local and regional talent.

            Tickets for RiverFest are $15 per night or $25 for a weekend pass in advance and can be purchased on the RiverFest website. Tickets are $20 per night or $35 for a weekend pass at the gate. A shipping fee will be added to online orders. You can purchase tickets locally at Paper Plus, Toot’s Grocery, Guaranty Bank, and Trustmark Bank.

            T-shirts have also gone on sale. $15 for children sizes small through extra large. $17.50 for sizes XXL and XXXL.

            The Vicksburg RiverFest Music and Arts and Crafts Festival is solely funded by donations and sponsorships. If your business or organization is interested in sponsorship information, email RiverFestMS@yahoo.com. For more information on RiverFest visit www.RiverFestms.com.