Lotus Headlines Down by Downtown Music Festival

Down by Downtown, a three-day celebration of music with concerts at multiple venues in downtown Roanoke, will feature Lotus in Elmwood Amphitheater on April 22.

Having built a massive fan base over the years, Lotus sells out headline shows across the country and plays festivals such as Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Ultra, and more. Expect to have an experience of the senses with powerful beats and an accompanying light show. The band’s new album, Eat the Light, features tracks that bubble with contagious dance energy and blast into orbit with sing-along choruses. The tightly produced yet raw grooves recall sounds of The Talking Heads, Jamiroquai, and LCD Soundsystem.

Two acts slated to perform at the July FloydFest — Hayley Jane & the Primates and Broccoli Samurai — will open for Lotus on April 22. Tickets are $24 in advance and $28 the day of the show. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Back again for the second year is the Free Friday concerts in Elmwood Amphitheater on April 21. Gates open at 5 p.m. and feature MC Broom & Jam along with two-three acts that will be announced in the near future.

Each participating venue will have live music during April 20-22. Participating venues include The Spot on Kirk, The Phoenix, Martin’s Downtown, Blue 5, Soaring Ridge, Wall Street Tavern, Sidewinders, The Sanctuary, Fork in the Market and Elmwood Amphitheater.

MUSIC FESTIVAL LINEUP

All of this live music coincides with the 8th annual Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon. Runners from 40+ states and eight countries will descend upon Roanoke to tackle America’s Toughest Road Marathon…and enjoy some live music before and afterward.

Down by Downtown (DxDT) began eight years ago as a grassroots movement to showcase the region’s growing music scene. In 2012, DxDT partnered with the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon to provide a music-packed weekend for visitors. In 2016, the Roanoke Outside Foundation (who puts on the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon) officially took over DxDT and in 2017 formed a new partnership with Across-the-Way Productions, the music minds behind FloydFest.

Special thank you to our sponsors: Ballast Point Brewery, Parkway Brewing, Foot Levelers, iHeartMedia, WSLS, Roanoke Regional Partnership, Roanoke Parks and Recreation, and Carilion Clinic.