Big tent, big talent at RVA East End Festival

The RVA East End Festival will bring music, food, and family fun to Chimborazo Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 7 p.m. under the Big Tent. The festival is free to attend, with donations encouraged to support music and cultural arts programs in Richmond Public Schools’ East End. If weather requires, the event will move indoors to Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School.

The annual festival highlights professional musicians who began their careers in Richmond and went on to achieve regional, national, and international recognition. Headliners for this year’s lineup include Grammy-nominated guitarist and producer Lenny Holmes, four-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates, The Dap Mallory Band, singer and producer Corey El, and the Richmond Symphony.

Festival Chair Rev. Marilyn Heckstall said the event brings together a range of talent at no cost to the community. City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, who represents the 7th District, added that the festival provides students with inspiration and a path to follow in the arts.

Since its start in 2016, the RVA East End Festival has raised more than $550,000 to fund music, visual arts, and performing arts programs at schools in the East End.

Schedule of performances

The day’s program begins with an opening ceremony at noon featuring the Richmond Police Community Band and the National Anthem sung by Destin Scott, an eighth grader at Franklin Military Academy. Student musicians from Richmond Public Schools will perform at 12:30 p.m. before the headlining acts take the stage:

• 1:15 p.m. — Lenny Holmes

• 2:15 p.m. — James “Saxsmo” Gates

• 3:15 p.m. — Keep It Movin’ Line Dance Crew

• 4:00 p.m. — The Dap Mallory Band

• 5:00 p.m. — Corey El

• 6:00 p.m. — Richmond Symphony

In addition to music, the festival will feature food vendors, exhibit booths, and a children’s play area.

How to support and attend

Admission is free, but donations can be made online here or in-person through the festival’s Bucket Brigade. Free shuttle rides will be available to and from Chimborazo Park, with details to be announced soon.

Vendors interested in providing food, crafts, or local services must apply here by Friday, Sept. 5. Volunteers can sign up here.

For more information, email rvaeastendfest@gmail.com, visit the festival’s website, or check the Facebook page.