Entertainers, vendors prep for a week packed with events
Food, music, arts and activities are set to fill up the downtown Festival Plaza where over 150,000 patrons are expected over an eight-day period for the Red River Revel.
The Revel is set to take place Oct. 4-11 with gates opening at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Set to take the stages are a number of both high-profile and fan favorite bands that will be sure to bring the entertainment all week long.
Christy Long, associate director for the Red River Revel, said some of the more anticipated headliners are Blackberry Smoke, Dustin Lynch, Black Violin, Trout Fishing in America, Jana Kramer, Zapp Band and Dash Rip Rock.
Long also was quick to mention MamaDear, out of Nashville who Rolling Stone called the best up-and-comer of the year at the last CMA Music Festival. The trio has been together since 2012 and plays classic southern music with their own distinct sound.
Also on the lineup schedule are a number of local dance groups and other culturally diverse musicians and entertainment. Two new shows added to this year’s Revel are Ballet Memphis and Lightwire Theatre. Ballet Memphis was founded in 1986 and strives to bring original work to life with classic ballet, using traditional ballet stories with modern-day themes. Lightwire Theatre is a unique and innovative theatrical experience, using electroluminescent wire, or “EL wire,” to produce a one-ofa-kind light show. Also located in the RiverView Theatre, both Ballet Memphis and Lightwire Theatre tickets can be purchased at www.redriverrevel.com.
Just as significant as the live music and engaging performances the Revel is known for is the fan favorite foods. Funnel cakes, turkey legs, muffuletta pizza, Natchitoches meat pies and beignets are just a few of the classic items offered at the downtown festival and this year will be no different. “There will be 25 food booths in the Chase Area and all of them provide a unique culinary experience,” Long said. “Yes, the muffuletta pizza is certainly a favorite, but be sure to check out other great food items like the Natchitoches meat pie, which has been at the Revel since 1976, the gyro, funnel cakes, a large selection of Creole cooking, and the most unique item this year, the donut grilled cheese sandwich.”
Another new component to the food and drink portion of the event is the “beer garden.”
“[The beer garden] is a new concept that we hope will become a Louisiana favorite – a place to hang out and enjoy the company of friends, Louisiana beers, and Revel entertainment and maybe some football!” Long said while there will be plenty to do for the adults packing out the place, the Revel is also known for being familyfriendly.
–Katie Ho
WANT TO GO?
Find an insert with a schedule of events inside this issue.
Admission will be free all day Monday, and Tuesday through Friday until 5:30 p.m., after which the cost will be $5, including all day Saturday and Sunday. There is also the Reveler Pass, which covers all eight days and is only $10 – sold at the gate. Children younger than 12 and accompanied by an adult get in free.
The Regions Center garage on Milam Street will offer free parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends for all of the incoming revelers, and shuttle services will also be offered from various locations downtown.
Visit www.redriverrevel.com.
