Since the first ChesterFest in 2001, there has always been music, from one band in the first year to this year’s lineup, the best yet. This year, the lineup will focus on the metamorphosis of music including old time Appalachia bluegrass, country, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, spiritual, big band, acoustic manuche jazz, and at 7 p.m., a special concert by the Richmond Symphony.
Masters of Ceremonies Bill Blevins and Rob Cardwell will guide the audience through the stage events which will also include the World Championship Cherry Pie Eating Contest and the Almost-Westminster Dog show.
The opening act at 10 a.m. will be the Cary Street Ramblers, who play high energy, old-time Appalachian style string band music. Their repertoire consists of a wide selection of tunes and songs performed in a manner reminiscent of early country music that would have been heard on old 78 recordings and in the early days of radio broadcasting.
Our furry friends will take the stage at 11 a.m. for the ChesterFest annual dog show. Tracy Bates, Centralia Animal Hospital, will accept competitors beginning at 10 a.m. stage right or in advance at the animal hospital.
The Southland Band, performs at noon. The group is well known in Chesterfield and the surrounding area. The group has been active for over 30 years. The band’s leader, Linwood Gettings, has been playing guitar since he was still wet behind the ears at 12 years old. His wife and a talented group of local musicians.
The National Cherry Pie Eating Championship is indeed the only annual cherry-pie-eating contest in the world- at least according to Wikipedia. This ChesterFest event, which begins at 1:15 p.m. is having its 15th anniversary just as ChesterFest reaches its groundbreaking event. Contestants this year are battling for the pride that comes with winning the Gold Cup for such a prestigious feat.
The Heights, a gospel group, performs spiritual music beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a good beat and a chorus to boot.
Johnny and Ronnie take the stage at 2 p.m.. Johnny and Ron Sada played together in the Johnny Lee Long Band. Ron is also a member of The Party Crashers who played at last year’s ChesterFest. Johnny and Ronnie will be playing as a R&B, spiritual-funk band. They have a sizable following.
Ten piece big band Spectrum, will perform two sets beginning at 3 p.m.. Spectrum a 10-piece variety band featuring male and female vocals and a powerful four-piece horn section. The band accurately re-creates the authentic sounds of the jazz-pop styles from the last 60 years. The group’s wide repertoire is well-suited for any audience.
Gypsy Roots takes the stage at 5:15 p.m. Jazz musician and anthropologist, Thomas Wakefield’s vision of putting together a group to explore music and culture come to fruition in the auditory adventure that is Gypsy Roots. Steeped in American blues, swing, Latin and jazz, Gypsy Roots draws upon the strong influence of music within the Gypsy diaspora, particularly the style pioneered by the legendary French Gypsy guitar genius, Django Reinhardt.
The Richmond Symphony, under the direction of Chia-Hsuan Lin, will be the crowning glory of the Fest this year. Beginning just after vendors have broken down, the Symphony’s Big Tent series will perform classical music live and in the outdoors. The Big Tent will accommodate the entire orchestra so expect a big sound. This is culture without going to the city. Food and adult beverages will be available during the concert.
A rain date for the Symphony has been scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18.
