Oak Ridge, Tenn. (June 4, 2010) The Secret City Festival entertainment coordinator, Joye Montgomery, has strived for several years to bring new faces, new talent, and new energy to the two-day event. One way she’s doing that is by bringing local, regional, and even internationally-acclaimed acts to the Pavilion Stage, sponsored by Pilot Travel Centers.
The 8th Annual Secret City Festival, taking place June 18 – 19 at AK Bissell Park, will feature a slew of entertainers that are bound to please everyone. On Friday, the stage will play host to “Early Bird Special,” a fun and lively band that performs great music from the 60’s through the 90’s, from Folk to Rock and everything between.
Another up-and-coming group that will hit the Pavilion Stage will be “The Springs.” This “Country to Christian to Southern Rock” band has received several awards, including 2009 New Music Awards “Country New Group of the Year,” and 2008 ICM’s “Youth Artist of the Year.” They’ve had four #1 songs in less than two years, including “Are you an Angel,” and “I Didn’t Find Jesus.”
Returning from a two-year absence are the Mountain Marionettes, a fast-paced puppet show that will charm children and adults alike. National Fitness Center’s GroupX will be performing a demonstration of what a good workout looks like, and the TTJC Karate Team will give a demonstration involving stunts and thrills.
Music lovers will also enjoy the sound of “Greylan James & The Crossroads Band,” a 2008 Nashville Music City Rising Vocalist of the Year. James was also named the 2009 NACMAI Male Volcalist/ Entertainer/ Istrumentalist of the Year (age 7-12), and Songwriter of the Year for “Dear Grandmommy.”
Also taking the stage Friday will be Bruce Sarafian, an amazing juggler who holds several world records. Sarafian was first listed in The Guinness Book of Records in 1993. His records include 10 balls for 23 catches in 2001, 11 balls for 15 catches in 2001, and 12 balls for 12 catches in 1996. He was the first juggler to flash 11 balls and the first to flash 12 balls.
On Saturday, festival-goers will be enthralled by Knox Pipes and Drums, as they celebrate Scottish heritage through music. Bruce Sarafian will take the stage again with his amazing juggling act, and the Oak Ridge Community Band will perform a series of lively musical pieces.
The Claxton Country Squares will do some do-se-does, and the VIP Band, a festival favorite, will return for a fun performance. The Middle Eastern Dancers will also be returning to the stage on Saturday.
The afternoon’s entertainment will conclude with the Ciderville Farm and Home Show, a bluegrass and country show that offers something for everyone. The show is a local favorite that airs weekly on festival sponsor station BBB Channel 12.
“Every year, the Pavilion Stage evolves into a bigger and better entertainment stage,” explained Montgomery. “This year, I think we’ve really achieved our goal of having performers that will entertain every age group and multiple genres.”
The 8th Annual Secret City Festival is presented by the City of Oak Ridge, the Oak Ridge Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Arts Council of Oak Ridge. This year’s festival sponsors are the City of Oak Ridge and B&W Y-12, and the media sponsors are The Oak Ridger, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, WBIR-TV, Comcast, and BBB Communications. For more information, visit SecretCityFestival.com or call the information line at 425-3610.