Petty to take part in Greensboro festival

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Eastern Music Festival and Victory Junction on Sept. 7 will collaborate in an unconventional partnership all for two great causes. This first-time collaboration, a milestone in the Triad, will feature Richard Petty, the most decorated driver in NASCAR history.

Beginning at 5 p.m. ET at Festival Park in Downtown Greensboro (200 N. Davie Street adjacent to the Greensboro Cultural Center; rain location inside the Greensboro Cultural Center), this Labor Day Party with Petty will be enjoyed by families and their children with tickets reasonably priced for every age group. Kids 6 and under are free; tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Family 4-Packs are $30. All tickets and packages can be purchased by calling Triad Stage at 336.272.0160 or online at www.EasternMusicFestival.org.

Richard Petty

A VIP barbeque dinner will be held at 4 p.m. at the new AVENUE Restaurant and Bar. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased through the Triad Stage Box Office.

Since 2004, Victory Junction Gang Camp has been enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering in a safe and medically-sound environment. In just five years, Victory Junction Gang Camp has changed the lives of more than 10,000 children and their families.

Now in its 48th year, the Eastern Music Festival & School is recognized for its prodigious contributions to the field of American music and its commitment to nurturing talented American and international youth through a collaborative learning process.

The program brings together a cross-section of America's most sought-after artists with pre-professional students in a five-week schedule of 100 concerts and music-related events. Music Director Gerard Schwarz heads a distinguished list of participating artists. In 2009, EMF's distinguished guest artist roster included Peter Serkin, Sarah Chang, Awadagin Pratt, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, and Xavier Phillips, plus many others.

The Festival also produced a popular fringe series of alternative programming, featuring everything from Americana to alt country, blues, jazz and gospel.

Featured events

• Live Music provided by EMFfringe: featured artist David Cody with Big Bump & The Stun Gunz, and for children Big, Bang, Boom sponsored by YES! Weekly.

• Q&A with Richard Petty: Renowned WFMY-TV sportscaster, Brian Formica, will introduce Mr. Petty and ask questions compiled from audience members.

• Autographed photos with Petty *

• Presentation of Key to City to Petty

• Silent and Live Auction of Richard Petty memorabilia, and other items

• Children's Events including face painting, balloon artists, clowns, and play area with inflatable "bouncers."

• Concessions *, beer *, treats, and much more!

Parking is available at Davie Street and Church Street parking garages.

Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged.

* Not included in admission fee.