Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance announced this week that The Steel Wheels as this year’s Grand Marshals of the Valley Fourth Parade. The “Get Outdoors” themed parade takes place Thursday, July 4, leaving from the Rockingham County Administration Building at 6pm and marching south to the City Municipal Building.
The Steel Wheels have captured audiences across the country with their heady brew of original soulful mountain music and their deep commitment to roots and community. Based here in Harrisonburg, this dynamic four-piece string band marries old-time musical traditions with their own innovative sound and lifestyle, generating a truly magnetic revival.
Proving they haven’t forgotten their roots, “The Steel Wheels are the hosts of the inaugural Red Wing Roots Music Festival in July – representing the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy a premier family-friendly music festival this summer,” says Kim Kirk, special events manager at Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. “It fits our outdoor recreation theme perfectly.”
The Steel Wheels is an amalgamation of hard work and easy rapport. The band is renowned for their raw energy and chemistry on stage, where they often cluster tightly around a single microphone to adorn Trent Wagler’s unmistakable tenor with bell-clear four-part harmonies inspired by their shared Mennonite heritage. Add to this Eric Brubaker’s lively and evocative fiddle, Brian Dickel’s grounded yet buoyant upright bass, and Jay Lapp’s signature mandolin style, and it’s no surprise that The Steel Wheels have enthralled the contemporary Americana scene.
As the band thrives, so do their partnerships with local businesses, artisans, and charitable organizations. The values portrayed in their music—devotion to roots, community, and family—are a way of life for The Steel Wheels, and this is reflected in everything from production process and booking agency to merchandise and touring. For the past three years, they have performed an annual SpokeSongs bicycle music tour, during which band members tow their instruments, equipment, and merchandise from one gig to another via bicycle and blog about their adventures.
About Valley Fourth
Valley Fourth, organized and presented by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, is the largest community celebration in Harrisonburg, drawing more than 8,000 residents and visitors to downtown each year. In addition to the parade, Valley Fourth attendees can expect to enjoy a full-day of activities, including the inaugural Grillin’ at the Pavilion Cook-off, Beers n’ Cheers in the Park, live music, children’s activities, a marketplace of vendors, fireworks finale and more! For more information about Valley Fourth, please visit DowntownHarrisonburg.org/
About Red Wing Roots Festival
The Red Wing Roots Music Festival will be held at Natural Chimneys Park in Mount Solon, VA, on July 12, 13 and 14 this year. This festival features 40 bands on 4 stages with headliners including The Del McCoury Band, The Sam Bush Band, Tim O’Brien and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Destined to be an annual attraction for years to come, the festival offers plenty of quality children’s programs, local food and craft vendors, group bike rides and access to some of the Valley’s best outdoor recreation. Tickets and more information can be found at www.redwingroots.com.
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