The long awaited return of Michelle Nixon and Drive to the Friends of Belle Isle Music by the River is finally here. On Saturday, August 13, Michelle Nixon will perform from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Michelle Nixon & Drive, are an energetic group based out of the Virginia’s capitol region, incorporates the classic sound of yesterday’s country with the contemporary sound of today’s bluegrass. Their classy styling along with their innate talents place this group into a league of their own. Nixon and Drive have played across the United States planting their bluegrass and growing fans with every festival, concert and play through stop along the way. Proof of their great fan support, 2007/08 Michelle & Drive received 9 nominations from the Society of Bluegrass Music Association: “Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist, Over All Bluegrass Band, Bass Player of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Guitar Player, Mandolin Player, Banjo Player as well as Michelle was part of the Daughters of Bluegrass who dawned 2 nominations at SPBGMA and they won the IBMA Recorded Event of the Year 2006 & 2008. Michelle is a former “Female Vocalist of the Year for SPBGMA 05/06”.
Nixon heads up the troops, adding her songwriting, great entertaining and business skills to the group dynamics. Nick Nixon is a truly talented singer/songwriter and it is hard to beat the husband wife connection on stage. Songwriter, Patrick Robinson lends great guitar and vocals making this trio undeniably one of the top groups in the industry. Johnathan Dillon is amazing on the mandolin, Tim Newcomb rolls on the banjo and Mike Sharp is excellent on the dobro. The beat is never a problem with John Wade playing the bass, giving Drive just that, undeniable drive!
The Friends of Belle Isle offer 8 free music concerts annually. The concerts are located on the scenic Rappahanock River at Belle Isle State Park. It is suggested that you bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs. There will be childrens crafts and games, and free popcorn for everyone.
Music by the River is made possible by donations from several business and service organizations. This year the concerts are sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle; Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts; Bank of Lancaster; EVB; Chesapeake Bank; Rumsey and Bugg, Attorneys at Law; Wealth Planning Solutions, Robert E. Walker, LUTCF; Kilmarnock, Irvington, White Stone Rotary; River Country 107.5 and WRAR 105.5; Dehnert & Clarke & Co.; Neal & Nickel Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors; Bethel-Emmanuel United Methodist Men; and the Rappahannock Record.
LOCATION: Lancaster County on the Rappahannock River. From Warsaw, take State Route 3 East to SR 354. Turn right and follow for three miles. Turn right onto SR 683 at Somers to the park entrance. From Kilmarnock, take Route 3 West to Lively, then left on SR 201 for three miles, then right on SR 354 for three miles and left onto 683 to the park entrance.
Drive Time:Northern Virginia: two hours; Richmond: two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: two hours; Roanoke: five hours
Click herefor a Google map. Latitude, 37.774414. Longitude: -76.599364.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES:Bel Air Overnight Area (Bel Air house and guest house) and camping. For information on availability of campsites, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you canreserve online. The Bel Air overnight area can be reserved only by calling1-800-933-PARK.
Belle Isle State Park, 1632 Belle Isle Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503; phone, (804) 462-5030; email,belleisle.