Riverside Media Arts Program students are teaming up with Riverbirch Farms for a fun-filled concert and fundraiser, “Riverfest: Big in a Small Town,” that also assists pupils who are preparing for their national Business Professionals of America trip.
Nashville recording artist Matt Marinchick performs the show from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the Quincy area venue. Marinchick, a former OSU basketball player from 2001-2005, stands tall at 6’10”— providing the inspiration for his two professionally-produced albums, “BIG” and “BIGGER.”
Riverbirch Farms is owned and operated by Scott Stewart, a former powerlifting coach. Riverside Media Arts Program (MAP), a satellite program offered at Riverside in cooperation with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, is led by instructor Michelle Weadock.
“We are fortunate that the Logan County Education Foundation has allowed extensions to this grant as COVID has delayed this much-anticipated event,” Weadock said.
“The students are beyond excited for the community concert. Although our program organizes many in-school events, this is the first time we will try to attract area residents to an event.”
Through the LCEF grant, students have a chance to not only host Marinchick, but also get some tips on songwriting from this country singer. Marinchick is a songwriter for Myriad Pro, a publishing company on Music Row in Nashville.
A native of Hudson, Ohio, the performer is a regular at various venues in Nashville, where he now lives.
His music can be found on iTunes and other streaming platforms. A limited number of CDs will be available for purchase at Riverfest as well.
Tickets can be purchased from noon and 1 p.m. at Riverside Schools on days that school is in session, or message the WDEQ 91.7 FM/Riverside BPA Facebook page for tickets.
In addition to the concert, those who purchase tickets prior to April 4 will be invited to the official Meet & Greet.
Riverfest will be a family-friendly event, which will also feature a cornhole tournament and backyard barbecue foods for purchase, including a s’more bar.
Stewart has donated the use of his event venue to the students. A father of Zach Stewart, one of Weadock’s first media students, he was happy to be able to contribute to the event. Riverbirch is often rented for weddings and graduation parties in a scenic area of Logan County.
“While he was using the event as a way to give back to the school, and didn’t ask for anything in return, the students decided it would just be the right thing to do to take their day of community service and work at the venue, raking leaves and picking up sticks to prepare for the April 24 concert,” Weadock said.
“This only added to their enthusiasm.”
Riverside’s Media Arts and BPA students are using their education in advertising and sports and entertainment marketing to put on this concert.
Riverside’s BPA chapter has experienced national success every year since its rebirth in 2012. This year, Dallas, Texas, is the site of the national leadership conference. With 29 Pirates attending, the need for fundraising has grown exponentially.
If you or your business or organization would like to make a tax-deductible donation, contact lwyan or mweadock.
According to BPA co-adviser Lindsay Wyan, any individual or organization donating $250 or more will also have a reserved table of eight at the event.