Heart of Virginia Festival - 2004: Saturday Evening Outdoor Concert

At the Farmville Airport, Saturday, May 1, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Zero Hour

Zero Hour formed in the spring of 2000, when Sean and Austin were hanging out at Austin's house and started jamming on drums and guitar. Sean's sister, Sarah, joined the next week, originally playing keyboards before making the switch to bass.

The thing that sets them apart from other bands is the age of the members. Sean is 16, Austin is 15, and Sarah is 13. But, they always amaze audiences with their talent, confidence, maturity, and stage presence. The band is influenced by artists such as Aerosmith and Green Day, but have worked hard to create a "Zerohour sound".

In the summer of 2002, Zero Hour was one of 16 bands selected from hundreds of applicants to play the "Almost Famous Band Series" at a large outdoor venue in Richmond, Virginia. In the beginning of 2003, the band was featured in a segment on PBS TV. Zero Hour continues to play the club circuit in the Richmond and surrounding areas, and are perfecting their sound until they make their break into the national spotlight.

Eli Cook

Eli Cook & The Red House Blues Band

The Red House Blues Band combines the guitar and vocals of Eli Cook with the talents of bassist Steve Riggs and drummer Jason Ward. Cook, a Nelson County teenager, began his performance career playing acoustic blues at Repunzel's Coffee House in Lovingston when he was 15. His repertoire and audience expanded as he began playing gospel shows and revivals in several counties. He formed his first electric trio The Red House Blues Band, while only 16, and performed at the James River Blues Society Festival taking third place. Cook has been called a "blues phenomenon" by reviewers in nearby Charlottesville: "Featuring fast fingered guitar and a powerful voice beyond his years, Cook doesn't need any Robert Johnson style pact with the devil to take him to the top" (Matthew Hurst, from a C'ville review).

The rhythm section features drummer Jason Ward. Ward brings more than a decade of experience to the trio, having kept the beat for several contemporary bands including Altar Ego and The Neon Kings.

Nationally renowned blues bassist Steve Riggs completes the trio. Steve is a veteran musician who has performed with some of the world's greatest including Muddy Waters and Jimmy Vaughan.

Groove Spot

Groove Spot is a 7-piece, party-oriented, high-energy, dance band made up of Vocalist David Sullivan, Guitarist Chris Perkins, Bass Player Chuck Harrell, Drummer Thomas Young, Sax Player Steve Bider, Trumpet player Dave Triplet and Trombone/Keyboardist/Vocalist Chris Leitch. Founded in March of 1997, Groove Spot has performed to packed houses up and down the East Coast, fast becoming a fixture of the thriving Richmond music scene. Stripping down the classics to their "booty-shaking basics", Groove Spot combines tongue-in-cheek antics, and pure energy with a world-class horn section. Best described as an undeniably good-time, dance, party, disco band, Groove Spot delivers music that defined an era of nightlife in the 70's and 80's. Bringing it all back, Groove Spot cranks out the energy, showmanship and funky hooks that'll get even the most docile crowd out of their seats and onto the dance floor.

[Picture of Fireworks at the 2000 festival]

Entrance to the concert is $1 per person. All proceeds generated go to the festival.

Schedule of Events:
6:00-6:45pm:     Zero Hour
7:00-8:00pm:     Eli Cook & The Red House Blues Band
8:15-9:15pm:     Groove Spot (1st Set)
9:15pm:     Fireworks
9:45pm:     Groove Spot (2nd Set)

Food by the Mulligan's