9th Annual Smithfield Music’s Aiken & Friends Fest Gives The Gift Of Music To Area Students
Funds Raised During October 3-4 Event Will Provide Instruments, Tutoring & More To Local Youth
Nashville, TN (September 8, 2014) — The 9th AnnualSmithfield Music’s Aiken & Friends Fest
not only brings great music to this historic coastal Virginia town, but
provides one-of-a-kind educational workshops targeted to independent
artists, musicians and songwriters as well. A charitable endeavor, the Fest, which
runs October 3-4, benefits youth music education for local area
students. To date the annual event has raised over $40,000, with the
money used to fund scholarships, provide tutors for gifted children and
purchase instruments for Isle of Wight school students.
“It
is immensely gratifying to see our efforts manifest,” notes Fest
founder, performer and workshop host Mike Aiken. “This year, one of our
performers happens to be a talented singer/songwriter who attended my
songwriting workshop last year.”
The
performer in question, Mollie Taylor, came for that workshop, took
notes and, as Mike recalls, asked “great” questions. Her attention to
detail paid off, and this year she was added to the line-up by the
entertainment committee from over 2100 applicants. “We are drawing the
young, the talented and the motivated; those eager to develop their
skills,” observes Amy Aiken, Fest organizer. “Our goal is to have each
individual leave a workshop excited and empowered about their music.”
This year, Smithfield Music’s Aiken & Friends Fest features the following workshops on Saturday, October 4 at Windsor Castle Park.
11:30 a.m. / Guitar: Hosted by Rich Eckhardt (Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Mike Aiken). Voted Best Instrumentalist in Nashville by the Nashville Scene
in 2013, Rich is an acclaimed musician who has appeared on some of
the world’s largest and most prestigious stages. A legendary
performer, he comes to Smithfield with a wealth of talent and
endless ability. Eckhardt will share some of his signature riffs
and tips, and will inspire players young and old to play at their
best level.
1 p.m. / Songwriting:Mike Aiken
has six studio albums under his belt, has written with some of
Nashville’s most respected songwriters, penned music for TV, earned a
first-round Grammy nomination for his current CD (CAPTAINS & COWBOYS),
garnered #1s in Europe, and enjoyed chart activity with his songs in
the U.S. and Europe. Mike will answer questions about writing songs and
the business of songwriting.
2:30 p.m. / Indie Music Promotion: NorthwindRecords’ executive Amy Aiken
will share the knowledge she has gained in her 12 years as head of a
boutique Indie label that has enjoyed songs in the Top 30, implemented
productive radio campaigns and organized popular tours in the U.S. and
Europe. Amy will answer questions and advise attendees on the tools
that every artist should have in place in order to build a successful
career in the music industry.
This ever-growing Festival would not be complete without a stellar entertainment line-up and this year is no exception. Performing areFestfounder and Northwind Records’ artist MikeAiken, talented singer/songwriter Tim Buppert (Trisha Yearwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, MikeAiken), Washington Area Music Association award-winning entertainer Patty Reese (2009 Album of the Year,Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year),Folk/Rock/Americana duo Moors & McCumber, American Soul-inspired Caleb Hawley Band, popular Piedmont stylistsM.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio, area favoritesSnuff
Trio (featuring Chuck Larson, Norman Harrell & Robbie House),
Mississippi native and Southern/Soul singer/songwriter Adrian Dickey,
16-year-old sensation Evan Button, the Mike AikenBand, and local teen songstress Mollie Taylor. Also appearing will be three songwriters who will compete for their stage slots viaFestopen-mic nights scheduled throughout September.
Smithfield Music’s Aiken & Friends Festoffers
music lovers a chance to gather and enjoy historic Smithfield’s
convivial atmosphere, along with great local food and diverse artisan
vendors.
TICKET PRICING:
Weekend Pass $35 – all events, concerts, workshops
Songwriters-in-the-Round (Friday only) $25
Saturday All Day – Field Pass $20 advance, $25 day of show (12 & under FREE with paying adult)
RAFFLE
TICKETS will be available for purchase both days, with the drawing held
on Saturday. Among the prizes to be awarded is a Takamine guitar, donated by the manufacturer.
Friday, October 3,2014 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Smithfield Little Theatre – 210 N. Church St., Smithfield, VA
Songwriters-in-the-Roundconcert featuring Mike Aiken, Patty Reese and Tim Buppert
Saturday, October 4, 201411:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Workshops 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
All performance times are approximate and are subject to change.
River Stage
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Open Mic Winners
2:30-3:30 p.m. – Moors & McCumber
5:00-6:00 p.m. – Caleb Hawley Band
7:45-9:00 p.m. – Mike Aiken Band
Castle Stage
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Evan Button / Mollie Taylor
1:30-2:15 p.m. – Adrian Dickey
3:45-4:45 p.m. – M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio
6:30-7:30 p.m. – ‘Snuff Trio’ featuring Chuck Larson, Norman Harrell & Robbie House
