Norton, VA (May 1, 2018) — It’s the fifth anniversary of the RTE 23 Music Festival and the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) will once again bring this amazing event to the campus of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVa-Wise) in Wise, Virginia on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 5:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m. The New Respects, Cordovas, and Young Mister are on the roster for RTE 23 and each act will perform at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival—the perfect opportunity to preview these amazing bands before their performances in September. RTE 23 Music Festival is free and open to the public of all ages.
“This year, we approached the line up a little differently,” said Dave Stallard, BCM Music Committee Chairman and RTE 23 organizer. “Typically, our headliner is a band that doesn’t play Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in September. We were just so excited about The New Respects, though, that we bent our own rule and decided to make RTE 23 a showcase for three Bristol Rhythm bands. The New Respects are going to blow people away.”
Featured in Rolling Stone among its “10 New Artists You need to Know,” The New Respects are quickly turning heads and gaining unprecedented popularity. The band’s standout single “Trouble” garnered over 2 million streams and received sync placements with Fox Sports, ESPN, and TNT. The group meshes rock, soul, and pop music with overlays of acoustic tones. Comprised of twins Zandy and Lexi Fitzgerald, brother Darius and their cousin Jasmine Mullen, the Nashville-based group is a true family affair, evidencing the undeniable soul and music legacy that flows through the roots of their family tree. The band has been busy touring with Robert Randolph, O.A.R., and NEEDTOBREATHE, and making appearances at key festivals including Hangout, Bumbershoot, and Rock the Ranch.
Cordovas were touted in Rolling Stone‘s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” and follow the tradition of 1970s Southern and country rock greats the Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, and The Band. Based in Nashville, the group has a sound based in harmony, song, and musicianship. The band spent the past winter writing and demoing songs for their latest album produced by Grammy nominee Kenneth Pattengale of The Milk Carton Kids.
“Cordovas really remind me of Crosby, Stills & Nash,” added Stallard. “Their live show is fantastic and their harmonies are on point.”
Young Mister is songwriter Steven Fiore. As a songwriter, Fiore has spent years building a fan base along both coasts, touring with the likes of Jump Little Children and Howie Day, and regularly performed as a guest vocalist for actor Jeff Goldblum’s (The Fly, Jurassic Park) jazz band in Los Angeles. After eight years as a stable songwriter for Universal Music Publishing Group, Fiore’s own performances have a radio-ready, soft-rock vibe and features lyrics young romantics wish had been written just for them.
“Booking Young Mister was a bit of a departure for us,” Stallard commented. “We have never had a singer-songwriter duo before, but his songs are powerful. That is going to be an awesome set.”
There will be lots of food and beverage options on hand at the festival—including regional wines and beers. Vendors include Foodie Fiction, Brain Freeze Shaved Ice, PureWood Firebrick Oven Pizza, Smoke-N-Pig Stillhouse BBQ, Dough & Joe, Lincoln Road Cold Brew Coffee, and The Shack.
“It’s hard to believe that we have been at this for five years now. We are incredibly appreciative of the sponsors who help us make this happen, UVa-Wise for hosting the festival, and all of the fans who come out and listen to the music. Our goal is simple; put on the best music festival in Wise County every year. With the bands, food, and drink we offer, we think we do that.”
The RTE 23 Music Festival is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Wise, Virginia business community. Please help us return the love by supporting our sponsors: Jeremy O’Quinn Law Office, Dr. William C. Horne, Jr. DDS, Crutchfield, Cavalier Pharmacy, Cavalier Comics, Iron Works Cycling, Powell Valley National Bank, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, The Inn at Wise, Wise County Tourism, Edward Jones-Office of James Lawson, Laidback Planners, Stone Mountain Guns, Brent Fleming Law Office, Sykes.