MARGO PRICE AT ELMWOOD PARK | APRIL 19
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18 Venues Come Together Over Four Days of Live Entertainment, April 18-21
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Festival announces American singer and songwriter Margo Price will headline the festival in a performance at Elmwood Park on Friday, April 19. Opening will be soul rock band Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast and Roanoke Americana singer and songwriter Corey Hunley.
Margo Price is a force in American music. In addition to collaborations with Willie Nelson, nominations for a Grammy and multiple Americana Music Awards, she’s performed on Saturday Night Live and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and recently released a memoir entitled Maybe We’ll Make It. Price’s sound transcends genres and will be music to the ears of country- and rock-fans alike. Concertgoers will be treated to a fearless blend of rock and roll, psychedelic country, rhythm & blues, and even bright shiny pop.
“We’re excited to have Margo Price heading the lineup. Not only does she have a strong female voice, but she brings together two of our larger musical communities–country and psychedelic rock,” says Kait Pedigo, event organizer for Roanoke Outside Foundation. “Celebrating variety and bringing people together is what Down by Downtown is all about.”
Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast has shared stages with groups like St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Marcus King, and The String Cheese Incident. Their set promises to be a captivating blend of soul, rock, blues, and pop.
Corey Hunley is a “natural born entertainer” and the talent behind the Songwriters in the Round events which bring together local music-lovers and musicians. Concertgoers can expect Hunley to kick things off with an easy-going, but talent-packed acoustic set.
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Festival spans four days and all of downtown Roanoke in a vibrant and expansive display of live entertainment.
“Music is a shared experience that everyone can enjoy and one that helps bring vibrancy to our community,” said Steve Hildebrand, SVP of Marketing with Freedom First. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support a weekend of live entertainment for everyone.”
Eighteen venues (and counting) will host everything from acoustic acts to comedy shows to full-blown rock sets. Currently participating are:
Martin’s Downtown, 5 Points Music Sanctuary, Market and Century Plaza (with thanks to Downtown Roanoke Inc.), The Spot On Kirk, Dr. Pepper Park, The City Market Building, Big Lick Brewing Company, Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Sidestage, 3rd Street Coffee House, Fork in the Market, Golden Cactus Brewing Company, The Taubman Museum of Art, Ursula’s Café, Twisted Track Brewery, The Village Grill, Sweet Donkey Coffee House, and Three Notch’d Brewing Company.
The central hub of the festival will be Elmwood Park, with the ticketed Margo Price show Friday night and free music throughout the day Saturday. From there, all shows will be a short 5-to-10-minute walk or ride. While parking is available near each venue, festival goers are encouraged to explore the options by means of sustainable transportation: walking, riding bikes, taking ride shares like Uber, or carpooling.
Tickets for Margo Price are on sale now for $35 online, $45 at the gate, and $20 for registered runners in the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon weekend (any distance). A complete festival schedule detailing each show is available on DownByDowntown.com. For a closer look at the many venues and to be the first to see show announcements, follow @DownByDowntown on Facebook and Instagram.
