Secret City Festival announces new concert security measures

James T. Akagi

James T. Akagi

The Secret City Festival will have tighter security at the Friday and Saturday night concerts this year, and visitors could experience a few delays as organizers try to make the shows safer, a press release said.

No backpacks or coolers will be allowed into the concert site, and all bags will be subject to search, the release said.

“In light of recent events, we’re being extra vigilant in our protection of our attendees, staff, and the community during the festival concerts,” Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said. [Read more...]

B&W Y-12 again a premier sponsor of the Secret City Festival

B&W Y-12 Secret City Festival Check Presentation

Chuck Spencer, center, B&W Y-12 president and general manager, presents a $25,000 sponsorship check for the Secret City Festival to Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan, left, and Mayor Pro Tem Jane Miller. (Submitted photo)

B&W Y-12 is returning to the Secret City Festival once again as the premier festival sponsor, a press release said.

“B&W has led the way in Secret City Festival sponsorships both financially and in kind for the past eight years,” the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau said in a Wednesday press release. B&W Y-12 operates the Y-12 National Security Complex for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Chuck Spencer, B&W Y-12 president and general manager, presented a $25,000 festival sponsorship check during a May 28 meeting. [Read more...]

Secret City Sounds concert features The Freight Hoppers

The Freight Hoppers

The Freight Hoppers

The second show in this year’s Secret City Sounds concert series features The Freight Hoppers, a band that plays old-time string music.

The free concert starts at 7 p.m. today at the pavilion at Alvin K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge.

A press release said The Freight Hoppers have been playing old-time string band music for more than 20 years. [Read more...]

Arts Council has Tribute to the Arts on Thursday

Arts Council of Oak Ridge

Arts Council of Oak Ridge

The Arts Council of Oak Ridge and its member organizations are having a premier Tribute to the Arts on Thursday.

It’s scheduled from 6-9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Oak Ridge.

“This exciting cultural event will recognize artists and arts supporters from our area for the outstanding contributions they have made through their hearts and talents,” a press release said. “The Arts Council member organizations have long contributed to the culture and vitality of our region, and ACOR believes there is a need to acknowledge these groups and individuals for their service and talents.” [Read more...]

Rick Springfield, The Dirty Guv’nahs to headline Secret City Festival

Rick Springfield

Rick Springfield

Rick Springfield, the pop rock singer-songwriter and musician who won a 1981 Grammy for “Jessie’s Girl,” will headline the Saturday night concert at this year’s Secret City Festival, organizers said Thursday.

Springfield has sold 25 million albums worldwide, including 17 Top 40 hits, such as “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Love Somebody,” and “Human Touch,” a press release said. “Jessie’s Girl” was a No. 1 hit, and the song earned Springfield a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal.

The Friday night concert at the June 21-22 Secret City Festival features Knoxville-native rock ‘n’ roll band The Dirty Guv’nahs. [Read more...]

Secret City Festival applications now available online

World War II Re-enactment

The Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge includes one of the largest World War II re-enactments in the South.

Preparations for the 11th Annual Secret City Festival are under way, and applications are now available online.

Vendors and exhibitors can visit www.SecretCityFestival.com and download an application to become involved in this year’s event, which will take place June 21-22 at A.K. Bissell Park.

Applications are available for arts and crafts, exhibitors, and food vendors.

[Read more...]

Soul Candy and the Traffic Jam plays free concert Friday

Soul Candy and the Traffic Jam

Twelve-piece Knoxville band Soul Candy and the Traffic Jam plays a free concert Friday evening in Oak Ridge. (Photo by J.L. Kirk)

Knoxville’s Soul Candy and the Traffic Jam will play a free concert Friday evening at A.K. Bissell Park.

The band, which has horn and rhythm sections and three female singers, was scheduled to be the last in this year’s Secret City Sounds series, but last week’s concert was rescheduled due to rain.

The Traffic Jam consists of 12 musicians, including some who have played in other successful groups such as Wayne Cochran and The CC Riders, The Atomic Horns, and KnoxVegas.

[Read more...]