The Beatles at the Ridge Music Festival and Symposium is set for Sept. 14 and 15 in downtown Walnut Ridge, and the event is continuing to expand its offerings. Two stages will feature music throughout the festival, and a contemporary Christian lineup is slated for that Saturday afternoon.
After being named 2017 Festival of the Year by the Arkansas Festival and Events Association, the committee began discussing ideas to make the festival even better. Among the ideas was to offer more music, as well as a wider variety of music styles.
“This event has been based on the diversity of music from when the cotton fields of the south, blended with the mountain music of the Ozarks and rockabilly gave birth to rock ‘n’ roll,†said festival committee chair Charles Snapp, who also serves as mayor of Walnut Ridge. “I’m glad to see that tradition continue.â€
This year’s festival will feature 12 bands, including the Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends, who will close out the festival on Saturday night.
Four contemporary Christian bands will perform that Saturday afternoon on the Cavenaugh Rock n’ Roll Hwy Stage, including the JJ Weeks Band, We Are Vessel, Justin Teseniar and After Grace.
Four new bands, Lockhouse Orchestra, Drive South, Bodagus and Idle Minds, will also be featured on the First National Bank’s Beatles Park Stage on Saturday.
Returning for this year’s event are the Arkansas Brothers on Saturday and the Legendary Pacers and Deadwood Groove on Friday Night.
“We have worked on our music lineup to not only increase the number of acts, but also offer different types of music,†Snapp said. “There will truly be something for everyone.â€
The festival also includes an Artists and Authors Symposium that brings in renowned Beatles experts, a car show, a barbecue wing contest, a variety of vendors and activities for kids. More information can be found at beatlesattheridge.com.
Anyone who needs vendor information can contact the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 870-886-3232.